Testimonials From Participants
I prevent type 2 diabetes so I can keep traveling, taking pictures, and enjoying my family for the rest of my life
It’s not about how long you live; it’s about how well you live.
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.
Bruce Wheeler, 52, Program Participant
“I love having a lifestyle coach. She has given us great information, helped me stay on track, and stay positive!”
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 CDC-recognized lifestyle change programs. 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, Program Participant
“I’ve worked in medical research my entire adult life, but always had a difficult time managing my weight. This program has taught me how to eat healthy and find an exercise routine that works for my schedule.”
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 a CDC-recognized 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, Virtual Program Participant
“I’ve tried a lot of different diets and nothing has ever stuck. This seems to be sticking.”
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, Program Participant
“Having a group of people with the same goals as me really motivated me to jump start healthy lifestyle changes.”
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, Program Participant
“All you need to do is give this program a try!”
When a friend mentioned a CDC-recognized 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.