November is American Diabetes Month, a time to raise awareness about diabetes risk factors and encourage people to make healthy changes in the name of prevention.

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States. One in 11 Americans have diabetes — that’s more than 29 million people. And another 86 million adults in the United States are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

The good news is that making healthy changes to your diet and lifestyle can greatly lower your risk.

The even better news?

Working with a Health Coach is a proven way to find lasting success!

Health coaches are uniquely poised to support their clients in a real, practical way. By offering support and accountability, Health Coaches can guide people to find a healthy lifestyle and strategy tailored to their needs. And it works!

Earlier this year, a study at the University of San Francisco proved that Health Coaches play a crucial role in the management of diabetes and other chronic diseases.

Recently, Forbes reported on the success of a new program that paired participants at risk of developing diabetes with Health Coaches.  Over the course of a 16-week program focused on improving diet and lifestyle habits, with a Health Coach by their side for support, participants registered a 4.7% average weight loss after one year, and maintained a 4.2% average weight loss after two years. 

And now, a new Diabetes Prevention Program launched in Lamar, CO, to harness the personal support that Health Coaches provide clients in order to make lasting lifestyle changes.

Learn more about how you can participate in American Diabetes Month here, and tell us how you’re helping to prevent diabetes in the comments below!