Prevent program aids pre-diabetic patients

The Prevent program at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby has been extremely successful, already helping local residents lose more than 930 pounds.

The success of the program is largely attributed to the hard work and dedication of local program team leader Becky Brundin, Registered Dietitian and diabetes educator.  

Her skills as facilitator in Lincoln County also has been recognized by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).  

Brundin has recently been chosen as a Master Trainer to help establish the Prevent program on a national level.

Prevent is a successful weight loss and exercise program designed to assist and motivate individuals to reach and maintain a healthy lifestyle through group activities, education sessions, and individual guidance from their life coaches.  

The program targets people who are pre-diabetic and/or are at risk for developing cardiovascular disease.  

“The original studies for the Prevent program have been around for twenty years,” said Brundin.  

“The success that we have had in Libby is in line with the results that are documented in this research.  I am honored to be chosen to help establish this program and reach these results in other areas across the nation.”

Brundin was selected as one of nine Mater Trainers for the National Diabetes Prevention Program.  The CDC is rolling out the program nationally with a core group of Master Trainers who will be under the direction of the Diabetes Training and Technical Assistance Center (DTTAC).  Along with Brundin, this core group includes participants from Georgia, North Carolina, New York, Minnesota, and another Montana native from Miles City.  

Brundin traveled to Atlanta in November where she met up with this core group and completed training for her new position; she will serve as a consultant to the DTTAC for one year.  

Already, Brundin has spent time in Kent, Wash., and Helena to train new sites on this 52-week program.  

She is excited about helping others with this program, and with our local success right here in Lincoln County. 

“Diabetes is growing rapidly, and to complicate matters further, the disease goes undetected a good percentage of the time,” added Brundin.  

“Only a very small percentage of Americans with pre-diabetes realize they have it.  Unfortunately, people do not take the necessary steps to reduce their risk of full-blown diabetes and its numerous complications.  Studies show that eating a healthy diet, losing weight, and exercising regularly may reverse pre-diabetes and delay and/or prevent the disease altogether.  

“That’s why we encourage people to consult their doctors and get their blood glucose checked regularly.  That’s also why I’m excited that we currently have a waiting list of 30 potential participants to start our local Prevent program again in the fall,” she said.