side by side photo showing Y member Cindy wearing red shirt with hands on hips before and after DPP program at the Y



Cindy Reavis credits the Spurlino Y’s Diabetes Prevention Program for reversing a dangerous path toward type 2 diabetes.

A year ago, Cindy Reavis made a decision to commit to living a healthier lifestyle. “365 days ago, I sat in a classroom at the YMCA and signed an agreement to join the Diabetes Prevention Program, go to meetings and follow their guidelines to be healthier and reduce my risk of developing diabetes,” shares Cindy.

The Tampa Y’s Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is a 12-month, evidence-based and CDC-approved lifestyle modification program proven to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes for those who are at risk. 

“I’m thrilled to report success. To date, I have lost 87 pounds and lowered my A1C from 5.8 TO 5.5 which means I am no longer prediabetic,” exclaims Cindy. “This program and my instructors have literally changed my life!”

Y DPP is offered both in-person and virtually at all Tampa YMCA locations. A trained lifestyle coach provides a supportive environment where participants learn how to incorporate healthy eating, physical activity and behavior modification into their daily lives. Proven results show the program can prevent or delay new cases of type 2 diabetes in adults by 58 percent and by as much as 71 percent in those over age 60. 

More than one in three Americans (88 million people) has prediabetes, according to the CDC. Prediabetes is a condition in which a person’s blood glucose is elevated, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Only 7 percent of those with prediabetes know they have it but with awareness and simple actions, people with prediabetes may prevent the onset of diabetes, a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and nerve disease.

“Committed to improving the health and well-being of Tampa Bay, the Y wants all community members to understand their risk for prediabetes and steps to take to avoid developing type 2 diabetes,” says Tampa Y Healthy Living Director Dawn Kita. “Developing type 2 diabetes not only puts a tremendous strain on our healthcare system, but impacts the lives of millions of people and their families each year.”

Many insurance providers, including Medicare, Medicare Advantage, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, Florida Blue and United Healthcare offer this program as a covered benefit for anyone who has been diagnosed as having prediabetes or who is at a high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Financial assistance and payment plans are available for other qualifying individuals based on household income.

To qualify, Medicare recipients must have an A1C between 5.7-6.4 or a fasting glucose of 110-125. For more information please contact YDPP@tampaymca.org or 813.922.2808.