Did you know that one in three adults has prediabetes, and many don’t even know it? Left unaddressed, prediabetes can progress to type 2 diabetes and increase the risk of complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart.
In addition to family history, diabetes risk is often linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet and lack of exercise. The good news is that with the right support, you can look to the future with hope and confidence.
AT SFCHC, we believe education and encouragement go hand-in-hand with medical care. Our nationally accredited programs help people prevent and manage diabetes through teamwork, trust and small lifestyle changes that have a lasting impact.
Since 2018, our one-year Diabetes Education and Prevention Program has been accredited by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Lifestyle Coach Diabetes Prevention Program for meeting the highest national standards of quality education and patient care.
Members of a supportive cohort work with trained lifestyle coaches, connect with peers and set personal goals for nutrition and exercise to control their blood sugar without medication. Leading the effort is Rita Jauregui, SFCHC’s Health Education Manager, whose enthusiasm and compassion inspire each person. She often joins the group on walks—sometimes up to five miles a day—and even added Saturday sessions to make it easier for everyone to participate.
“Each year, patients and community members come to us because they want to change their lives,” said SFCHC Health Education Manager Rita Jauregui. “They know they’re receiving information, counseling and support from people who truly care about helping them reach their goals. Our staff don’t just sit behind our desks – we go out into the community and meet people where they are. Education and prevention are key, but trust comes first. When people learn, cook and even walk together, they motivate one another to succeed.”
For those already living with diabetes, SFCHC’s eight-week Project Alto-D Diabetes Self-Management Education Program combines group learning with one-on-one support through approved curriculums. Receiving Full Plus Recognition from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control since 2006, it teaches participants how to take medications safely, monitor and track blood sugar, and adopt healthy habits for eating, exercise and stress relief.
SFCHC also offers many ways to stay motivated and connected year-round. Our 12- to 16-week FEAST (Food, Education, Action, Support, Together) series – spearheaded by SFCHC Community Health Worker Alba Meza – combines hands-on cooking in the Diabetes Teaching Kitchen with group discussions about the connection between food, emotions and well-being.
Through the Care Circle Remote Monitoring Program, patients can track glucose and blood pressure from home and share results directly with their care team. For everyday inspiration, our bilingual Healthy Cooking Video Library features simple, budget-friendly recipes the whole family can enjoy.
The results speak for themselves. Participants not only lower and manage their blood sugar levels, but also form meaningful friendships and inspire one another to move forward. “When they learn about the risks associated with diabetes, they want to find ways to stay healthy and keep their families healthy,” said Rita. Our program stands out because people know we’re here for them. They know that, with our support, they can do it!”
