Based on national study, free series focuses on developing a healthy lifestyle to prevent diabetes

Fall River, MA - If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, or been told you are at risk for developing diabetes, you’ll want to learn more about how healthy eating and exercise can change the future of your health through a free 16-week program.

The Steward Diabetes Education Program at Saint Anne’s Hospital is sponsoring “Lose Weight and Prevent Diabetes,” a free education series on Wednesdays, April 9 through July 23, from 5:30-6:30 p.m., at People Incorporated, 4 South Main Street, Fall River.

Led by Rose Couto, RN, CDE, certified diabetes educator with the Steward Diabetes Education Program at Saint Anne’s Hospital, this free program is offered through the National Diabetes Prevention Program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“There’s a sizable local population of pre-diabetic patients whose risk factors put them at high risk – but, with proper guidance, they can actually stop it from developing,” said Couto. “Preventing diabetes is more than just healthy eating; it’s also changing behaviors and getting the right support and guidance, which is more possible in an extended program. Best of all, this program is free.”

Using common sense and easy tools to prevent diabetes

The “Lose Weight and Prevent Diabetes” program is based on the CDC’s Diabetes Prevention Program 2002 study that showed intensive lifestyle changes can prevent diabetes.

With a common-sense, easy-to-use approach and tools that work along with group support and weekly private weigh-ins, this program will focus on setting goals and changing behavior to achieve weight loss through eating fewer calories and fat, tracking food and activity, and learning stress management skills.

Who qualifies for this free program

The 16-week “Lose Weight and Prevent Diabetes” series is designed for adults who are at risk for developing diabetes or have been told they are pre-diabetic.

To take part, participants may meet either of the following criteria:

• Blood work: Fasting glucose between 100-125 mg/dl and HbA1c (also known as A1c) of 5.7-6.4% 
• Diabetes risk test: Scoring 5 or above on the diabetes risk screen

Sign up now

This program is free but advance registration is required. A physician referral is not needed.

To register or learn more, call Rose Marie Couto, RN, CDE, 508-235-5391.

About the Steward Diabetes Education Program at Saint Anne’s Hospital

Nationally recognized by the American Diabetes Association, the Steward Diabetes Education Program at Saint Anne’s Hospital is staffed by certified diabetes educators who provide patients and their families with a comprehensive, personalized array of services. Services include individualized assessment by a certified diabetes educator; instruction self blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration; nutrition assessment and recommendations by a registered dietitian/certified diabetes educator; small group and individual classes; follow-up telephone call and office visits; individualized nutrition and nurse consultations; and monthly diabetes education and support groups.

About Saint Anne’s Hospital

Saint Anne’s Hospital is a community hospital with comprehensive inpatient, outpatient, and emergency care services, serving adults and children from southeastern Massachusetts and nearby Rhode Island at its main campus in Fall River and its community satellites. Founded in 1906 by the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation, Saint Anne's Hospital is a member of Steward Health Care, the largest fully integrated community care organization in New England. Saint Anne’s has been recognized time and again for quality, safety and service by such organizations as The Joint Commission, Healthgrades, The Leapfrog Group, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

About Steward Health Care 

Steward Health Care System LLC is the largest integrated community care organization in New England which combines more than 3,000 physicians, 11 acute care hospitals, managed care, insurance programs, home care, an imaging operation, and a number of other post-acute services, to provide the most cost effective and highest quality of integrated patient care.  Further information is available at www.steward.org.