I CAN Prevent Diabetes ®, a diabetes prevention program held at River’s Edge Hospital has received reaccreditation from the Centers for Disease Control.  The program has been accredited by the CDC since July 1, 2013.

The class, led by Jen Donkin, registered dietitian and Nicole Boelter, exercise physiologist at River’s Edge, is a 12-month program for people who are at risk for type 2 diabetes.  It focuses on weight loss and increased physical activity.

Full recognition of the I CAN Prevent Diabetes ® program by the CDC show that Donkin and Boelter have effectively delivered a quality, evidence-based program that meets the CDC standards for accreditation.  The sustained success of the program means that the teaching of lifestyle changes has helped dozens of people at risk for Type 2 diabetes move out of the risk category.

Donkin has been leading the I CAN Prevent Diabetes ® class since January 2012 and has been sending data to the CDC for 6 years.

“We have enjoyed going through the lifestyle change journey with our participants and seeing their progress and positive impact the changes have made on their health, cholesterol and blood sugar lab results, said Donkin.  Boelter added, “what they don’t realize is the other benefits of the class such as gaining friendships from participants in class, activities of daily living become easier, more education, their self-confidence grows, improved energy, and more.”

“The sustained success of your lifestyle change program makes an invaluable contribution to the prevention of type 2 diabetes, both in your community and nationally,” said Ann Albright, Director, Division of Diabetes Translation, National Center of Chronic Diabetes Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Participants are eligible if they have had a blood test indicating pre-diabetes or by taking a risk assessment at their doctor’s office.  Donkin said local providers are supportive of the class because they see the benefits.

The next I CAN Prevent Diabetes® class begins February 3, 2021.  For more information, contact Jen Donkin at 507-934-7694.