According to the most recent data found at kentuckyhealthfacts.org, 14% of adults in Trigg County have diabetes and 47% of adults have hypertension.  It was with this in mind that the Trigg County Extension FCS agent taught the National Dining with Diabetes curriculum.

The Trigg County Cooperative Extension Service partnered with the Trigg County Senior Center and the Pennyrile District Health Department’s Certified Diabetes Educator to present the series of four lessons from the curriculum plus a fifth session with the Diabetes Educator.

The target audience was adults with diabetes and/or family members responsible for meal planning and preparation.  

Six adults participated in one or more lesson with four completing the full series.   As a result of the program, 50% reported fit more exercise into their daily routine.   75% reported they cooked more meals at home and 50% utilize portion control as one way to manage diabetes. Finally, 75% feel confident they can keep their diabetes under control or help the person they care for keep their diabetes under control. 

Though our numbers were small, the impact for most that participated was great.  One participant stated that they learned “how to get the most out of a meal with proper planning.”  Another participant stated they learned “lots of info on how food affects blood sugar, where to find info and/or help, and received encouragement that changes are doable.”