Meet Twila!





 Downtown YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program participants

In January 2012, Twila went to her physician for some blood work.  At just 5’3, weighing 320 lbs., she was concerned about hypertension and high cholesterol.  After the lab results came back, she learned that she was at risk for developing type II diabetes.  Her physician gave her six months to lose weight to bring down her blood glucose and A1C levels.  As her physician explained if she did not make changes, she would be diagnosed with diabetes and would have to begin a medication regimen to maintain the diabetes.

Within days of receiving her results, Twila received an email from her employer about a new program being offered at the YMCA of Central Ohio -- YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program.  She called her insurance company to sign up and based upon her BMI and results from her lab work, she was admitted into the program.

A month later, Twila began the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program.  Armed with weekly meetings for support and information to assist her in transitioning toward a healthy lifestyle, she began to see positive results.  Thanks to water aerobics and swimming, along with changes to her eating habits, Twila began to experience weight loss. 

In July 2012, Twila returned to her doctor and was retested for diabetes.  The results revealed that her A1C had decreased substantially, her blood pressure leveled off and her LDL and Triglycerides had even dropped.  Thanks to positive strides, Twila’s risk for diabetes was significantly reduced.  Today, we are proud to report that Twila is 50 lbs. lighter and continues to make progress.  She plans to be down 75 lbs. by February 2013.

To learn how to reduce your risk for developing type II diabetes or to obtain information about the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program visit http://www.ymcacolumbus.org/diabetes.