DEXTER – In Michigan, over 2.7 million adults have prediabetes and most of them don’t know they have it. Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. At this point, type 2 diabetes can be prevented. Unfortunately, if not taken care of, prediabetes can progress to type 2 diabetes, which is irreversible. Many are unaware of prediabetes because there are often no symptoms. During National Diabetes Month this November, the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM) reminds all adults to be screened for prediabetes and encourages them to take action to prevent type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes is a large and growing problem in the U.S. By the time of diagnosis, diabetes complications may already be present, including reduced kidney function, cardiovascular disease and vision problems. “The NKFM is a leader in diabetes prevention because diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in the U.S.,” states NKFM President and CEO Linda Smith-Wheelock. “With our online programs to prevent and manage diabetes, we can reach more people throughout Michigan.”
Local story: At her annual health visit last year, 60-year-old Dexter resident Cindy Carruthers discovered that her A1C blood test result showed that she had prediabetes. Her physician referred her to the nationally certified Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), a yearlong lifestyle change program provided by the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM). The DPP features a certified health coach meeting regularly online with a small group of participants. Carruthers participated in a virtual DPP in 2023 and 2024.
Carruthers understands the gravity of type 2 diabetes. Her father, who died at age 59, had the disease but did not manage it well. “When you see it every day, you see what happens,” she states. She and her two brothers took it very seriously; today all of them are careful about their health. Carruthers also talked to her children about what was happening with their grandfather and the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
Carruthers lost 25 lbs. during her DPP year. “Everything is science-based which I appreciate because I am a scientist,” she states. “The classes are well-structured. They teach it in bite-size pieces. You go through the process and slowly implement these changes. It’s better than crash diets which are not sustainable.”
She kept a food tracking diary. The tracking process starts slowly – adding one thing at a time to not overwhelm participants. Participants track on an app or in paper diaries. Good fats and bad fats are explained.
When she really looked at her diet, Carruthers saw that what she thought was healthy eating, was not. “I had no idea how much sugar there was in yogurt!” She began observing everything she ate and reading nutrition labels.
As the course continues, participants learn about additional lifestyle changes, such as doing physical activity on a regular basis.
Carruthers embraced this portion of the program. In April 2024, she ran her first marathon, finished uninjured, and then ran the Boston Marathon. She competed in two Ironman 70.3 events, finishing 5th and 1st in her age group. Her first-place finish qualified her for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Marbella, Spain in November 2025.
Carruthers had nothing but praise and admiration for Sue, the coach leading her DPP group. “Sue was amazing,” she states. “She listened to the entire group and balanced all the different personalities. She was funny and respectful and made it a lot of fun. The class was diverse, and she provided suggestions for customizing foods from different cultures.”
Carruthers’ final thoughts on the DPP are as follows: “This informative program helped me live a better, healthier lifestyle which, I have no doubt, made all the difference in me competing without injury at the level I had always hoped for.”
The Diabetes Prevention Program is currently available as a virtual program. For more information, go to ReadySetPrevent.org or call 800-482-1455.
About the NKFM
The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan works to prevent kidney disease and improve the quality of life for those living with it by offering life-changing programs and services across the state. The NKFM consistently receives high marks from top charity evaluation organizations, including 4 stars from Charity Navigator, a platinum rating from Candid, and meeting all 20 priorities for the Better Business Bureau. Our focus on transparency and outcomes is recognized as among the best. NKFM.org
