In the Sierra foothills, we often talk about wildfire prevention. We clear brush and create defensible space because we know it is easier to stop a spark than to fight a blaze.
According to health experts at MACT Health, we should be taking the exact same approach to Type 2 Diabetes.
Right now, a significant number of residents over the age of 65 are living with “prediabetes” —a condition where blood sugar levels are high, but not yet high enough to be classified as full-blown Type 2 diabetes. The danger is that prediabetes often has no clear symptoms. Without intervention, it frequently progresses to Type 2 diabetes, bringing with it a lifetime of medication, dietary restrictions, and increased risk for heart and kidney disease.
The good news? It is reversible. And for Medicare patients in our community, the help to do so is available right here in Sonora.
“Prevent T2”: A Different Kind of Prescription
This March, as we observe National Nutrition Month, MACT Health is highlighting its CDC-recognized lifestyle change program,”Prevent T2″
Unlike standard medical treatments that rely heavily on pills, this program relies on people. It is a structured, year-long initiative designed specifically for individuals aged 65 and older who are at risk.
The approach is built on the understanding that changing lifelong habits is incredibly difficult to do alone. The program groups participants into a supportive cohort that navigates the journey together.
How It Works
The Prevent T2 program is a marathon, not a sprint. It recognizes that quick-fix diets rarely last, so it focuses on gradual, sustainable lifestyle changes.
- Months 1-4: Participants meet weekly to build a foundation of knowledge regarding nutrition, activity, and stress management.
- Months 5-6: The group transitions to meeting every other week to reinforce these new habits.
- Months 7-12: Meetings move to a monthly schedule, focusing on long-term maintenance and overcoming plateaus.
The curriculum is proven to cut the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by more than half for older adults.
Accessible and Local
One of the biggest hurdles to healthcare in the Mother Lode is cost. MACT Health has removed this barrier for many by offering the program at no cost to eligible Medicare patients. The program is open to both Native and non-Native members of the community, and importantly, no doctor’s referral is required to join.
Classes are held locally at the MACT Health facility on Sylva Lane in Sonora, keeping care close to home.
Taking the First Step
If you have been told your blood sugar is “a little high” or if you are simply concerned about your risk factors as you age, this program offers a proactive path forward.
While the latest cohort kicked off earlier this year, interest in the program is high, and identifying your risk is the first step toward joining a future session. By catching the condition at the “pre” stage, you can protect your kidneys, your heart, and your independence for years to come.
If you would like to sign up for the program please call 209.588.4667
This article is provided by MACT Health, serving the community with Medical, Dental, Optometry, Behavioral Health, and Chiropractic services.
