People with an A1C reading that indicates that they may be headed for a diabetes diagnosis now have extra support to help them avoid the disease, which is irreversible. It's the Diabetes Prevention Program from Vermont Blueprint for Health and Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC). And it's free.

The next section of the year-long program begins at 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 13. The first meeting will be held in SVMC's Employee Cafeteria. From there the class may change location to provide guided exercise with Andrea Malinowski, RiseVT program coordinator and an ACE certified group fitness instructor.

The class is offered in cooperation with the Vermont Blueprint for Health as a part of their Healthier Living Workshop series. For a listing of all workshops visit myhealthyvt.org. In addition, it is approved by the Centers for Disease Control and includes one-on-one instruction and exercise. Participants support each other to lower their A1C and prevent or delay the onset of diabetes. They learn proven ways to decrease weight and increased energy. And the same actions that prevent diabetes can prevent heart disease and stroke, as well.

Those interested in the program are encouraged to contact Paula Haytko, RN, at 802-440-4025 or paula.haytko@svhealthcare.org or Andrea Malinowski at 802-379-5468.