New class helps adults decrease risk for diabetes Published July 16, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Stephenie Wade 375th Air Mobility Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- This story is part of a series about the "Health care to Health" initiative. A new class called Group Lifestyle Balance was introduced to Scott Air Force base this year to help members decrease their risk for diabetes and cardiovascular issues. "The University of Pittsburgh's evidenced based program was designed to help individuals decrease their risk by making lifestyle changes," said Christine Cooley, 375th Medical Group dietician. The overall goal of GLB is for participants to see at minimum of 7 percent weight loss and to achieve at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Research found that individuals who participated in the "lifestyle changes group" saw a 58 percent decrease in developing type 2 diabetes and those 60 years and older cut their risk by 71 percent. Individuals who were in the "metformin medication group" only saw 31 percent decrease in their development of type 2 diabetes. Beneficiaries interested in achieving a healthier weight to overall decrease their disease risk can attend Group Lifestyle Balance. GLB provides 10-month of group interaction and accountability. The first 12 weeks the participants attend a class every week, then the classes go into a biweekly for 2 months then monthly for the next 6 months. In each class the members are weighed, food recording/activity logs are assessed and a topic from one of these four categories is discussed; nutrition, exercise, behavior modification and health education. Group Lifestyle Balance also tracks in addition to weight loss and increased activity, biometric values related to diabetes and cardiovascular issues. To see what your overall disease risk is, beneficiaries can consult with their primary care providers. Patricia and Bob Gentry began attending the class in May. "For the past two years I have been seeing the doctor for chest pains and finally decided I wanted to do something about it," said Bob Gentry, a 62 year old Air Force veteran. He heard about the class through his wife who received the information from their physician. Bob is a contractor on base so with the classes being held during the lunch hour he found it convenient. "My goal is to lose weight," he said. "The class is very informative. I have learned how to count my calorie intake and use phone apps that help me track my weight loss." So far two GLB classes have begun on base, since it is a 10 month commitment none of the classes have been fully completed at this time. GLB participants will have their biometric values assessed again at the end of the program to compare to those values done at the beginning. "Looking at those pre/post values, weight loss and physical activity achieved will give us an assessment of how that individual has decreased their disease risk" said Christine Cooley. "Seeing those changes can be a very powerful motivator for an individual." The next Group Lifestyle Balance program will begin July 24th. Classes are Thursdays from 12 to 1 p.m., at the Scott Air Force Base Medical Clinic. For more information or to sign up contact Christine Cooley at 256-7869.