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D.C. Health Club Offers Hope, Healing to Diabetics as BALANCE USA Diabetes Trial Reaches Mid-way Point

Ronesshia with Trainer, Noah

Fitness First Clubs of Metro D.C. are innovators in the fitness field.  They are sponsors of BALANCE USA, a lifestyle change program designed by a German doctor,  to help diabetics and pre-diabetics take back their lives and overcome their disease. Dr. Chalid Ashry, a doctor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry from Germany, will return to Washington, D.C. next week to meet with the remaining participants in his BALANCE USA trial.  This is the first American trial of a wellness program which aims to help diabetics improve their blood sugar and lipid profiles, through diet and exercise.

BALANCE  is Up and Running in Germany

Barmer, the largest insurance company in Europe has already begun to offer its diabetics BALANCE through a pilot program in three big cities in the west of Germany. They plan to expand the program to all their diabetic policy holders based on the anticpated success of the pilot.

American Trial Early Results are Amazing

Out of the 50 American participants who begun the U.S. trial last November, 2008, only 36 remain in the program.  But, of those 36, 28 of the participants, on average, after only 3 months had lowered their HbA1C by over 1 point, 1.07 to be exact. A number of participants have experienced a 4 or 5 point drop, which is going to help them reduce the likelihood of some of the worst problems faced by diabetics, such as amputation, or blindness. Dr. Ashry says these are spectacular results, ones that he did not expect to see until the 6 month mark.

Balance Now Being Offered as an Ancillary Service at All Fitness First Locations in Metro DC

Fitness First Clubs, the American sponsor of the BALANCE USA trial, is so impressed with the results, so far, that they are beginning now to offer the BALANCE program to the general public.  With 17 locations around the Washington metro area, they are well positioned to help thousands of diabetics change their health outcomes.

Rick Thoesen and his Personal Trainer, Sandra

A Balance Success Story–Rick Thoesen

One of the trial participants is Rick Thoesen, an engineer is on the verge of retiring and starting a second career. Even though he was slender when he started the trial, he has trimmed down 8 lbs by following the BALANCE nutrition plan. He lowered his LDL cholesterol from 120 to 80, and his HbA1C from 7.3 to 6.6%. His eating style now is to do 5-7 small meals a day, reduced carbs, moderate sweets.  He always starts his day with eggs, cheese and meat. The most helpful aspect of BALANCE has been learning to monitor his blood sugar levels. He now knows which foods have an adverse affect, so he can avoid them. He credits Fitness First for their committment to the program, and he is most grateful that they saw fit to sponsor it, because of the life-changing results for the participants.

If You are Diabetic, Pre-diabetic or Have Metabolic Syndrome, How You Can Get Involved

Individuals interested in learning more about the Fitness First BALANCE program, please contact Bridget Kerrigan, General Manager, Fitness First Clubs 703-435-3900. Visit the Fitness First Diabetes Lifestyle page on their website for more details.

BALANCE  is also available to businesses, corporations, and government offices seeking to lower health care costs for their employees.  For those who have their own fitness facilities, a custom “on-site” BALANCE program can be designed.  For group or corporate programs, contact Alana Sugar for further information, 703-566-9682.