While diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in America, the disease is highly preventable.

To help address the issue, Dartmouth’s YMCA is launching a year-long program for those who are classified as “prediabetic.” The program features small class sizes (8 to 15 people) and includes 16 weekly sessions followed by monthly sessions.

“The program has two overarching goals: reduce body weight by seven percent in the first sixteen weeks and increase physical activity by 150 minutes [per week],” said Sy Yules, a lifestyle coach with the Dartmouth Y’s diabetes prevention program.

According to data from the National Institutes of Health, making those two adjustments can help an individual under the age of 60 reduce a type 2 diabetes diagnosis by 58 percent. For someone over 60, the reduction rate is 71 percent.

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disease in which blood sugar levels are elevated over a long period of time. Type 2 diabetics are unable to produce enough insulin to keep blood glucose levels at a normal range, which can lead to cardiovascular complications, eye problems and kidney disease.

The main causes of type 2 diabetes are obesity and an unhealthy diet. According to the Center for Disease Control, there are 29.1 million people living with diabetes in America.

Those who have a higher than normal blood glucose levels but are not classified as diabetics are considered to have prediabetes.

“The reason why we’re involved with this is because it’s a chronic disease,” said Dara Midwood, the diabetes prevention coordinator for YMCA Southcoast. “In the United States alone, there are 86 million adults with prediabetes. Only 9 million of those 86 million know that they have prediabetes.”

While a blood test is the easiest way to test for prediabetes, there are other parameters that may make a person qualified for the program. The class is for those over the age of 18 who have a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or above. A previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes or a family history of diabetes are two other risk factors.

The first six weeks of the prevention program are focused solely on diet. The group will address issues at each meeting, covering topics such as how to make better food choices, how to read food labels and how to order food at a restaurant. Midwood stressed that the classes are not a diet program, however.

“It is a lifestyle change, teaching healthier ways to do things so it’s a healthy weight loss of one to two pounds a week. We give you the tools that will sustain your life,” she said.

Midwood said that some clients can feel discouraged at first because the thought of entering a year-long program can seem daunting. But the length of the program can ensure that people stick to the guidelines. The social element can help, too.

“It’s a fun class. People get to know each other,” said Midwood. “They may have never walked in a Y before, but now they know somebody in the same boat. They might come in and take a class together or walk together. They build relationships and help each other out.”

The upcoming class will be held at the Y, but the program is also available to businesses. About a dozen employees and community members have been taking the class at Better Community Living since last November.

“The people who have been participating have enjoyed it. We’ve learned a lot about prediabetes and the importance of diet, exercise and weight loss,” said Tom Riley, executive director of Better Community Living. “I heard so much about [diabetes] in the last five years, and I found out that I’m right in that range for pre-diabetes, so I figured I’d learn as much as I can about it.”

He said the class offers a lot of practical tips, too, such as ordering a salad without croutons, which are a hidden source of calories.

The year-long diabetes prevention program costs $429, which includes a membership to YMCA Southcoast. Midwood said there is financial assistance available for the classes. She can be reached at 508-996-9622 ext. 141 or at ymcaddp@ymcasouthcoast.org.

For those interested in learning more, the Dartmouth YMCA will be hosting a free class on March 18 to acquaint the public with the program. The class runs from 10 to 11 a.m.