Charlotte County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County (DOH-Charlotte) invites residents to attend a year-long diabetes prevention program at:

Charlotte County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County (DOH-Charlotte) invites residents to attend a year-long diabetes prevention program at: Charlotte County West County Annex6868 San Casa Drive,Englewood, FL 34224Starting Tuesday, July 14, 20264:30-5:30 p.m. DOH-Charlotte1100 Loveland Blvd.Port Charlotte, FL 33980Starting Friday, July 17, 20269-10 a.m. The classes are weekly during the first six months and one to two times a month for the remaining six months. Anyone 18 or older who has not previously been diagnosed with diabetes, is at risk for pre-diabetes or diabetes, or has previously had gestational diabetes is encouraged to participate. The Diabetes Prevention Program is a no-cost, year-long class focused on making healthy lifestyle changes to lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The group-based class allows participants to receive support from their assigned lifestyle coach and each other. “Florida has seen an increase in the percentage of adults diagnosed with diabetes from 8.2% in 2002 to 12.2% in 2022,” said DOH-Charlotte Health Officer Joseph Pepe. “Our diabetes prevention program intends to help reduce new diabetes cases in Charlotte County by helping participants make positive lifestyle changes with the support of their peers and our staff.” Register for the Diabetes Prevention Program