ROCKPORT — Did you know that without making changes, up to three out of 10 people with prediabetes will have type 2 diabetes within 5 years?

Having pre-diabetes means that your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be type 2 diabetes. The good news is that you can lower your chance of having type 2 diabetes by losing weight, doing more physical activity and eating healthier foods, according to Pen Bay Medical Center, in a news release.

The National Diabetes Prevention Program is a yearlong group-based lifestyle change program proven to help people lower their risk for getting type 2 diabetes by 58%. The program helps participants learn to eat healthier, be active, develop skills to make healthier choices and get the long-term support you need to stick with the changes.

The program meets for one year: once a week for 16 weeks, than bi-monthly or monthly for the rest of the year.

MaineHealth offers free Diabetes Prevention Program classes across Maine.

To find out if you might be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, or to register for a free class near you, visit mainehealth.org/services/endocrinology-diabetes/diabetes-prevention-program.

Date: Begins Tuesday, January 7
Times: 5 to 6 p.m.
Location: Stockton Springs Regional Health Center

11 Cape Jellison Road
Stockton Springs, ME 04972

Cost: Free
Register: mainehealth.org/services/endocrinology-diabetes/diabetes-prevention-program
Date: Begins Wednesday, January 8
Times: 4 to 5 p.m.
Location: Rockland Congregational Church

180 Limerock Street
Rockland, ME 04841

Cost: Free
Register: mainehealth.org/services/endocrinology-diabetes/diabetes-prevention-program
Date: Begins Wednesday, January 15
Times: 7 to 8 a.m.
Location: Picker Family Resource Center
756 Commercial Street
Rockport, ME 04856

Cost: Free (park entry fee will be covered by program)
Register: mainehealth.org/services/endocrinology-diabetes/diabetes-prevention-program