At a glance
Find out how these lifestyle change program participants took steps to prevent type 2 diabetes and improve their overall health.
Videos
"I prevent type 2 diabetes so I can keep traveling, taking pictures, and enjoying my family for the rest of my life." – Suzi Gomez, 53
"It’s not about how long you live; it’s about how well you live." – Cynthia Johnson, 54
"The motivation for me is to watch my children grow and be here for them. And that starts with taking care of myself and my body." – Mike Jones
More testimonials
Bruce Wheeler, 52
When my glucose levels and blood pressure started to increase, I knew I had to do something to reduce my risk of developing type 2 diabetes. When I mentioned my concerns to a friend, she told me about the CDC-recognized [National Diabetes Prevention Program] lifestyle change program. I love the support and encouragement I get from the other program participants and the Lifestyle Coach. I enjoy making lifestyle changes such as cutting back on red meat and sugary drinks. I now keep my bike at work and take lunch-break rides around town to stay active!
Jan Booker, 60
As a medical librarian in a hospital, I knew I needed to make changes to my lifestyle to stay out of the hospital as a patient—but I had a hard time actually doing it. Then I found the lifestyle change program. I was motivated to join the program to make sure I could play with my grandchildren for many years to come. I enjoy the program because I have met many people who also struggle with diet and exercise. We share healthy recipes and motivate each other to exercise. I now read food labels and ride a stationary bike for an hour a day. I am looking forward to a long, healthy life with my children and grandchildren.
Tim Enfinger
I've always loved food, and I never paid that much attention to what I ate before. My father had type 2 diabetes, and he passed away... I started noticing tingling in my hands, tingling in my feet, and started thinking I might be getting type 2 diabetes, and I needed to make a change. My favorite thing about the video series [in the virtual lifestyle change program] was the folks were very similar to me. My coach was awesome, sending me emails telling me I was doing well. If I had a question, she would always respond. I was pretty much your standard couch potato before the program. Now my wife and I go walking every day, sometimes as much as 2½ miles. I feel a lot better, I sleep better, and I'm more confident.
Phyllis Perkins, 53
After the death of my mother and a diagnosis of prediabetes, I was motivated to make healthy changes in my life to prevent type 2 diabetes. I was overweight and had high cholesterol, high glucose levels, and poor eating habits. I joined a CDC-recognized lifestyle change program to take control of my life. During the program, I was surprised at how happy I was making healthy changes and how much I enjoyed learning from others in the group. I am now exercising regularly and learning strategies to cope with my emotional eating habits.
Suchada Jin-Jin Hantragoon, 55
When a friend mentioned the lifestyle change program to me, it piqued my interest. I had wanted to change my eating and exercise habits for some time, and I jumped at the opportunity to get started. I enjoy hearing different ideas and perspectives from others in the program and am motivated by the enthusiasm I see each week. Now, I am working on a daily routine that involves eating healthy and exercising.