Approximately 13% of U.S. adults have diabetes, 35% have pre-diabetes, and many are not aware they have it, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Wood County Extension Office is offering Dining with Diabetes, a four-session educational series designed for people with diabetes and their family members or caregivers.
During the four classes, which are from noon to 2 p.m. on four consecutive Tuesdays from Oct. 31-Nov. 21, participants will learn how to incorporate good, healthy cooking techniques and other practices into their own kitchens to help manage their blood glucose. They will sample delicious and easy recipes, gain new insights on healthy eating, learn new skills to manage diabetes and talk with a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist.
According to Susan Zies, OSU Extension educator, family and consumer sciences, program participants are engaged on the topics of diabetes concepts, complications, diagnostic tests, healthy cooking and shopping strategies, meal planning, portion control, nutrition label reading, physical activity, and goal setting.
Dining with Diabetes uses an evaluation that assesses changes in diabetes knowledge and management. Research suggests that Dining with Diabetes is effective at helping participants improve diabetes management and outcomes. In addition to the four classes, there will be a 3-6 month reunion led by Zies and Shannon Smith, registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist.
The classes at the Wood County Extension Office, 639 S. Dunbridge Road, Suite 1, are free for Wood County residents and $40 for individuals who live outside Wood County. Seating is limited and available on a first-come basis.
To register or ask questions, contact Shannon Smith by calling 419-819-3078 or emailing her at smith.11604@osu.edu.
