Evergreen Hospital Medical Center in Kirkland is offering a 12-week class, “Lifestyle Balance,” to reduce the risk of developing diabetes. The program teaches participants how to eat healthier meals and how to become more active. The next program begins on Sept. 21 and meets from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.

Clinical research has proven that modest weight loss, increased physical activity and dietary changes can prevent diabetes.

The Lifestyle Balance faculty includes a cardiologist, registered dietitian and exercise physiologist. Each week, leaders present an educational topic and then participants exercise in the hospital’s Cardiovascular Health & Wellness Center in the DeYoung Pavilion. Progress will be tracked through comprehensive pre-and post-class cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure and metabolic rate tests.

Risk factors for diabetes include high blood pressure or being on blood pressure medication, elevated blood sugar, being overweight, low HDL (good) cholesterol count and high triglycerides. Participants need a referral from a physician to enroll in the program.

The 12-week session costs $650 and may be paid by credit card, check or on an installment plan. There is no charge for parking during the classes.

For more information or to enroll, call the Evergreen Healthline at (425) 899-3001.