Potomac Valley Hospital is always accepting new participants for their Diabetes Prevention / Group Lifestyle Balance (GLB) programs. The GLB program is a free 22 session/ 12 month program available for individuals identified to be at risk for prediabetes. Participants may find themselves eligible for the program if they have a family history of Type 2 Diabetes, high fasting blood sugar, impaired glucose tolerance, currently not physically active, overweight or obese, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or are a woman with a history of gestational diabetes.
Greg Pyles, a current program participant, has been in the program for 7 months. “I was initially referred by my doctor, because I was a borderline Type 2 diabetic. Since I’ve been in the program, I’ve been taken off of 3 different medications and I’ve lost 40 pounds. Truthfully, I have not felt this good for a very, very long time,” said Pyles.
Participants in this program work as a group, along with a Lifestyle Coach. Participants help each other focus on achieving healthy lifestyle changes, such as modest weight loss and increased physical activity. To show success in the program, Greg has had to make some lifestyles changes throughout the program. “I think the biggest change I made, was planning ahead. It’s imperative. Before I eat or drink anything, I weigh it and factor it in. I plan each day ahead of time. I know what I’m going to consume each day.”
Group Lifestyle Balance Coach, Valerie Starcher, has been supporting Greg and the rest of the group every step of the way. “Greg really lost weight very quickly and he really grasped the program and then some, from the initial session. He was in it to win it from day one. He was committed, open-minded, and just took it all in.”
As the Diabetes Educator for Potomac Valley Hospital, Valerie is an integral part to the Group Lifestyle Balance Program. Greg attributes his success so far in the program to not only the educational materials provided, but also the coaching. “A good lifestyle coach is imperative. You have to have someone who makes you accountable for what you are doing, in a nice way. Valerie is doing an excellent job. She’s very sincere, very dedicated and she cares for everyone in this room. It shows. We are very fortunate to have her.”
The whole program is a team effort. “It’s nice when you get a good group together and they have a good dialogue with each other, with a coach there to help if they need. They help each other solve problems, make suggestions, and point out statements that point home. When they hear these from a fellow participant, there’s good meaning behind that, because it’s coming from their struggles, their barriers, and where they’ve been able to rise up,” says Starcher.
Those interested in learning more about the program, or how to become a participant can contact the Diabetes Education Center at 304-597-3774. “I would absolutely refer this class to others. If someone was on the fence about whether or not to do the program, anything I can say or do that encourages them to sign-up, then I’m all for it,” says Pyles.