Type 2 Diabetes has affected our lives in some way or another, especially in the African American community. African Americans adults experience disproportionately rates of obesity (69.6%) related to health disparities such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.  African Americans also have two times the rate of having diabetes than Caucasians. According to the County Health Ranking for 2022, Franklin County, Kentucky the population of non-Hispanic African Americans is 10.3%. The Fit & Faithful is a diabetes prevention program geared towards African Americans to promote a healthy lifestyle and potentially reduce your chances of developing Type 2 Diabetes by partnering with faith-based houses of worship.  

The Fit & Faithful program is conducted for a 6-month period, once a week for 12 weeks, and then every other week until week 18 for approximately one hour. The program teaches healthy nutrition, physical activity and behavior change all to lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The program enrolled 15 participants and 14 out of 15 participants were regular in attendance and concluded the program.

The target audience is African Americans who are: 

1. 18 or older
2. Have a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25
3. Live within driving distance to the church
4. Not diabetic 
5. Not seriously ill 

This program is funded through a grant and partnership with the University of Kentucky College of Nursing.  The College of Nursing established partnerships with local faith-based churches to recruit participants and community health workers.  

Fit & Faithful is a diabetes prevention program geared towards African Americans to promote a healthy lifestyle and potentially reduce your chances of developing Type 2 Diabetes.  By making healthy lifestyle choices participants of the program expect to lose at least 7% of weight (over the course of 6 months) and maintain at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week to include some strength and resistance training.  

Participants Comments: 

Participant GJ - "The doctor was about to prescribe me the popular Type 2 Diabetes medicine that has been in the news lately.  As a result in being in the Fit & Faithful program for 3 months, I am no longer considered a Type 2 diabetic."  

Participant LR - "After my doctor's visit, my doctor told me I was doing so great that I no longer had diabetes.  I said, it is because of Fit & Faithful.  I look good, feel good, and have more energy."

Participant KJ - "God was preparing for the days to come. My husband became ill, was in the ICU for 24 days, and unexpectedly passed away of complications from diabetes, heart disease, and other health issues. Instead of having hospital food or fast food day and night, I remembered my teachings from Fit & Faithful. The church's Caregivers Ministry brought me healthy snacks like Skinny Pop, fruit, and other non-perishable items that kept me from going to the vending machines. I also stay hydrated with plenty of water. Eating healthy because of the program also helped me handle the daily stress of being in the hospital."