MACON, Ga. — There are over 953,900 cases of diabetes right here in Georgia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Macon-Bibb County Health Department found studies from Navicent Health and the CDC that Bibb County residents needed a diabetes prevention program. Joy Knight Harris the lifestyle coach and health education supervisor at the Macon-Bibb County Health Department says the best part is helping people get back on track to a healthy lifestyle.
"The first session is the first six months of the program and we meet twice a month," Knight Harris said. "And then you have the next six months is considered the second session of the month and you meet once a month. There's a curriculum, everyone has a workbook and we're just going through the information and that's how it brings about behavior change."
The program aims to help folks with pre-diabetes set weight loss goals and make better lifestyle choices. The Georgia Department of Public Health says approximately, 1 million people in Georgia have a diabetes diagnosis. They say an additional 230,000 people have diabetes, but they don't know it.
Dustin Nelson with the Macon-Bibb County Health Department says studies show Bibb County residents who are diabetic are likely to be underserved.
"25.7% of Bibb County live in poverty and 21% are food insecure," Nelson said. "Those determinates of health predisposition people to diabetes."
When the first diabetes prevention program started one year ago in April, seven people completed the program and lost a total of 150 pounds.
During the program, the participants use a guided book to help with. Knight Harris says "it brings about behavioral change" and there is a lesson in each chapter.
The booklet includes lessons on reducing stress, weight loss goals, lifestyle scenarios and more. Knight Harris says it's about rethinking your fitness goals.
"Looking at the way you eat, do you workout, when you're at home when you're on the road, thinks to look for when you travel," Knight Harris said.
The deadline to apply for the program is April 19. Those looking to apply can call (478)745-0411 EXT. 4 and ask for the health education team. You can learn more here.