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Trinity Health’s Center for Diabetes Education’s diabetes prevention program,
Weigh 2 Change, was awarded its Certificate of Full Plus Recognition from the Center for
Disease Control (CDC) for offering an effective, quality and evidence-based program that
meets all standards for CDC recognition.

The center already held a Certificate of Full Recognition from the CDC; however, the CDC now
recognizes Trinity Health’s Center for Diabetes Education’s diabetes prevention program as a
FULL Plus member meaning that it will retain its recognition for five years as opposed to three
years.

“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 Miriam T.
Bell, MPH, Team Lead of the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program. “It is programs like
yours that are turning the tide in the fight against the epidemic of type 2 diabetes.”

Weigh 2 Change is a yearlong lifestyle intervention program that helps people – especially
those with prediabetes – make lasting lifestyle changes to improve health and prevent type 2
diabetes. Its key components are nutritional and exercise counseling, group support and the
use of trained lifestyle coaches.

An estimated 96 million people in the U.S. have prediabetes – defined by the CDC as a person
with a blood sugar level higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes.
Research shows that people can lower their risk for type 2 diabetes by 58% by losing 5-7% of
their body weight and exercising moderately 30 minutes a day, five days a week.

Program Coordinator Michelle Fundingsland, RDN, LRD, says the CDC recognition gives
participants the assurance that they’re receiving education and support that are effective and
science-based. “This has been a team effort throughout the years,” she said. “We’re extremely
proud to have our program recognized by the CDC. We owe this to our team and our program
participants who have worked hard to achieve this success and maintain it.”

Weigh 2 Change will begin its August session with “Session Zero” meetings, which are
informational sessions where potential participants learn about the program to decide
whether it’s right for them. A Session Zero meeting will be held July 25 at noon in
the Trinity Health Community Conference Room at Town & Country Center. If you are unable to attend, please call 701-857-2850 to discuss available options.

Weigh 2 Change classes are held on Tuesdays from 12 to 1 p.m. or 4 to 5 p.m. in the Trinity
Health Community Conference Room