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CCH hosts diabetes prevention sessions

Press releases | Monday, December 1, 2025

Contact: Amy Blaser

For Immediate Release

(COLUMBUS, Neb.) – Columbus Community Hospital is inviting community members to attend free
informational sessions for the National Diabetes Prevention Program, a Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC)-recognized lifestyle change program designed to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

The National Diabetes Prevention Program helps adults make realistic and lasting changes that improve
their health. Program educators guide participants as they build healthier eating habits, increase daily
activity and learn practical strategies to stay motivated. Attendees explore tools that help them manage
stress, problem solve and monitor lifestyle changes over time.

“We want people to know they can take control of their health,” said Marina Channer, RD, LMNT, CDCES,
a registered dietitian and diabetes educator at CCH. “Small changes add up, and this program gives
participants support and encouragement every step of the way.”

The program is ideal for adults who may have several common risk factors for developing Type 2
diabetes. These include:

  • Being older than 40
  • Having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25.
  • Being physically inactive.
  • Having high blood pressure.
  • Having a family history of diabetes or a personal history of gestational diabetes.

People with a fasting blood sugar of 100-125 mg/dl or an A1c between 5.7-6.4 may also benefit from
enrolling.

Community members can attend any of the upcoming free informational sessions to learn more about
the program:

Tuesday, Dec. 16
9:30-10:30 a.m. and 1-2 p.m.
Multipurpose room – YMCA

Friday, Dec. 19
Noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m.
Prairie room – CCH

“Our goal is to help people make a change for life,” said Joan Plummer, RD, LMNT, CDCES, another
diabetes educator at the hospital. “With support from our trained diabetes educators, participants find
they can build habits that truly make a difference.”

For more information, community members can contact CCH’s diabetes educators:

Learn more about CCH programs and services at columbushosp.org.