FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2025
Strong Results from Diabetes Prevention Program Hosted at YMCA
SAINT JOHN, N.B. – The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick is part of a groundbreaking lifestyle intervention program designed to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. The Small Steps for Big Changes (SSBC) program is being delivered at the Saint John Regional Y. Through support from the YMCA and the Diabetes Prevention Research Group at UBC, the program is free of charge for eligible participants.
Small Steps for Big Changes is an evidence-based behaviour-change counselling program developed in response to the landmark Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) trial published in 2002 in the United States.
The DPP showed that a 24-week lifestyle and weight-loss program could reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58%, outperforming the oral diabetes drug metformin, which showed a 31% reduction.
Recognizing the need for a more accessible and time-efficient approach, Dr. Mary Jung, Director of the Diabetes Prevention Research Group, created Small Steps for Big Changes. The program was initially piloted in 2012 with a small group of adults, who demonstrated sustained exercise habits and fitness levels, after completing the brief intervention. Further validation came in 2016 through another trial at the University of British Columbia, involving 100 individuals who showed significant improvements in risk factors associated with diabetes.
“The YMCA is helping community members take control of their health before diabetes takes hold,” explained Shilo Boucher, President & CEO at the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick. “Participants not only learn healthier eating habits and ways to increase daily physical activity, but they also gain a supportive network through the Y that keeps them motivated and accountable.”
Locally, results are already evident from the program. Al and Bev McAlpine have transformed their health and daily routines. With coaching support, they built lasting habits around nutrition and exercise – losing a combined 45 pounds and gaining a renewed sense of confidence and community along the way.
Boucher shares how participants aren’t on their own. They receive encouragement and accountability from trained coaches, which makes real behaviour change possible.
“The Y is here for people who might not otherwise have access to preventive health programs, breaking down barriers of cost, location, and stigma,” Boucher said.
November 10-14 is World Diabetes Week. To raise awareness, the YMCA will be holding a Diabetes Clinic with Shoppers Drug Mart offering A1C Testing on Wednesday, November 12 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the Saint John Regional Y lobby.
YMCA coaches will also be offering Health Assessments to promote the Small Steps for Big Changes Program.
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Media Contact:
Nicole Vair
Chief Culture & Communications Officer
YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick
506-609-4512
n.vair@yswnb.ca Download Press Release