According to the Kentucky Department of Public Health, diabetes prevalence has doubled from 2000 to 2018 from 6.5% of adults to 13.7% of Kentucky adults. This rate is also higher than the national average (10.5%), with Kentucky exhibiting the 4^th highest mortality rate from diabetes in the U.S. Certain parts of Kentucky experience higher adult rates of diabetes. For example, Appalachian Kentucky counties exhibit a diagnosed diabetes rate of 17% compared to 12% in non-Appalachian Kentucky counties. Further, 1 in 3 Kentucky adults have diagnosed or undiagnosed prediabetes, which increases the risk of developing diabetes within 3-5 years. This public health issue is costly for Kentuckians. In 2019, it was estimated that diagnosed diabetes alone cost Kentucky $5.2 billion in total medical costs and lost work and wages.

To address this public health and economic issue, UK Family & Consumer Sciences Extension across Kentucky partnered with relevant community organizations to offer the National Dining with Diabetes Program. The goal of this program is to equip participants with information about building healthy and nutritious meals through diabetes-friendly recipes. Through this program, relevant and timely information is provided to adults with diabetes and/or family members responsible for caregiving, meal planning, and meal preparation. Local entities and healthcare networks consistently look to Extension for trusted and reliable diabetes education materials and recipes, especially in counties and communities with limited resources.

Across the commonwealth, ten counties were able to offer the 5-session program to their clientele through a variety of media (Crittenden, Henderson, Laurel, Letcher, Perry, Powell, Pulaski, Rowan, Scott, Trigg). As a result of the program, 252 individuals reported exercising continuously for 30 minutes on 3 or more days of the week. In addition, 308 individuals reported they cooked more meals at home and 291 individuals utilize portion control as one way to manage diabetes. Finally, 303 individuals feel confident they can keep their diabetes under control or help the person they care for keep their diabetes under control. 

At the national level, members of the National Dining with Diabetes workgroup are making efforts to streamline and consolidate multi-state reporting to show the national impact of the Dining with Diabetes program being implemented in more than 30 states. Initial work resulted in a journal publication in early 2022. The University of Kentucky is working alongside The Ohio State University and Purdue University and leading these national efforts to effectively demonstrate the critical role Cooperative Extension plays in diabetes education across the country.