California man among the 86 million affected by silent disease

CHICAGO, Nov. 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- After losing his grandfather to diabetes, Andy Steier vowed to take control of his health and live to see his grandchildren.

"I watched my grandfather suffer and prick his finger to check his blood sugar several times a day," Andy said. "I didn't want to go down that path."

At 45, Andy was diagnosed with prediabetes, a serious health condition that affects one in three Americans and increases a person's risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Andy made the decision to prioritize his health and found Retrofit, a 12-month digital program that brings together the CDC's evidence-based approach with a proven weight-loss formula.

Andy began the program by taking a proprietary lifestyle patterns assessment and learning he was a "fast pacer," which meant his schedule, as a busy father of two, kept him from prioritizing his health. His expert coach used this information to personalize the program for Andy. She helped him take care of himself while on the go between work and his kids' activities. Rather than reaching for unhealthy options at sporting event concession stands, she worked with Andy to plan ahead and bring healthier choices to eat. With the support of his coach and his wife, an avid baker, Andy reduced his portion sizes while still enjoying his favorite treats. He also committed to exercise at 4:30 a.m. five mornings a week.

Since changing his lifestyle, Andy has lost 30 pounds or more than 6 percent of his weight. He recently returned to the doctor and learned he is no longer prediabetic.

"Retrofit saved my life, and I feel good about myself when I look in the mirror," Andy said. "I also no longer snore, which my wife appreciates, and I have so much more energy, so I am able to keep up with my kids and be a good role model for them."

Ninety percent of Americans with prediabetes don't know they have the condition. The CDC's Diabetes Prevention Program is intended to identify these individuals and help them lose at least 5 percent of their weight. Retrofit's program achieves greater than 6 percent weight loss at 6 months and more than 7 percent weight loss at 12 months.

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SOURCE Retrofit