Videos
“I’m preventing 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 see my children grow and be there for them. And that starts with taking care of myself and my body.” – Mike Jones
More statements
Bruce Wheeler, 52
When my glucose levels and blood pressure started to rise, I knew I had to do something to lower my risk of developing type 2 diabetes. When I mentioned my concerns to a friend, she told me about CDC recognized [National Diabetes Prevention Program] lifestyle modification 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 to work and take lunchtime rides around town to stay active!
Jan Booker, 60
As a medical librarian at a hospital, I knew I had to change my lifestyle to stay out of the hospital as a patient – but I had a hard time doing it. Then I found the lifestyle modification program. I was motivated to participate in the program to ensure that 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 look forward to a long, healthy life with my children and grandchildren.
Tim Enfinger
I have always loved food and I have never been so aware of what I ate before. My father had type 2 diabetes and he died… I started to feel the tingling in my hands, the tingling in my feet and started thinking that maybe I got type 2 diabetes and I had to make a change. My favorite thing about the video series [in the virtual lifestyle change program] the people were very much like me. My trainer was amazing and sent me emails telling me I was doing well. If I had a question she would always answer. I was pretty much your standard couch potato before the show. Now my wife and I walk every day, sometimes as much as 2½ miles. I feel much better, I sleep better and I am more confident.
Phyllis Perkins, 53
After my mother’s death 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 participated in a CDC approved lifestyle modification program to take control of my life. During the program, I was surprised by how happy I was to make healthy changes and how much I enjoyed learning from others in the group. I now exercise regularly and learn strategies to manage my emotional eating habits.
Suchada Jin-Jin Hantragoon, 55
When a friend mentioned the lifestyle modification 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 work on a daily routine that involves eating healthy and exercising.
