One in three Americans has prediabetes and doesn't even know it.  Almost everyone knows someone that is dealing with diabetes at some level.  If you think you don't, chances are you do and are unaware that a friend or family member is dealing with it.  There are free classes being offered that will introduce a healthy lifestyle that may reverse the prediabetes diagnosis.  That's fantastic and so worth it considering the alternative.

According to WDIO.com the classes are a one-year program meeting once a week for 16 weeks, then monthly after that.  It's a program that is intended for people who have been diagnosed as prediabetes and will put you in touch with a trainer that will explain a lifestyle and nutrition habit that may help you reverse the prediabetes.

Diabetes affects all ages, but there are increased risk factors if you are over 45, overweight or have a history of it in your family.  They suggest you talk to your doctor or take this short quiz to determine if you may be prediabetic.

WDIO.com listed the classes at the following locations and times:

Duluth classes

• Mondays: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Downtown Duluth YMCA

• Wednesdays: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Harbor Highlands Community Center

• Wednesdays beginning Jan. 18: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Lincoln Park Children and Families Collaborative

• Tuesdays beginning Jan. 31: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Gary New Duluth Recreation Center

To register, visit duluthymca.org or contact Alisha Bradley at (218) 722-4745 ext. 135 or ABradley@duluthymca.org.

Proctor Class

• Thursdays beginning Jan. 19: Noon at Proctor Community Center.

To register contact Kaisha Graham, U of MN Extension SNAP-Ed Educator, 218-726-6478 or klgraham@umn.edu.

Superior classes

• Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Superior YMCA

• Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Superior Chamber of Commerce office

Please take advantage of these classes being offered for free, they normally cost $429.  Not only might it reverse your prediabetes diagnosis but you'll gain support, friendship and encouragement from people who have the same questions and understand what you're thinking and feeling.

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