In Kentucky, 1 in 3 adults has diagnosed (and undiagnosed) prediabetes. Lee County Kentucky is not an exception to the ever-growing number of individuals living with chronic illnesses such as diabetes. According to the County Health Rankings 2022 data, 43% of adults in Lee County, Ky are obese, which is well above the state (36%) and national (32%) percentages, and according to the CDC it is estimated that the percentage of adults with diabetes is16%. (4 points higher than the state percentage). Therefore, diabetes management education is critical for community health.

The Lee County Diabetes Coalition has been facilitating a Diabetes Support Group once a month. Participants are encouraged to bring family members or caretakers to attend each session with them for support and to engage the whole household. 

The program objectives are:

• Increase knowledge about healthy foods.
• Provide basic information regarding diabetes, nutrition, and physical activity.
• Present healthy versions of familiar foods and taste testing of recipes.
• Provide opportunities for sharing and learning from one another and from diabetes health professionals.

Over the past 6 months, the Coalition has had 6 different support group sessions that have covered a wide range of topics. Classes consist of a presentation on diabetes-related topics, a diabetic-friendly meal, an activity, program updates, and so much more. 

As a result of these efforts:

-100% said that the class has helped manage their diabetes.

-75% of participants ranked feeling somewhat confident or higher about keeping their diabetes under control. 

-75% of people made the recipe that went along with the meal kit. 

-5 different recipes have been made at home. 

-60% said their A1c has improved.

-10% said it had stayed the same. 

-For those who answered specifically on their A1C, numbers decreased as follows: 9-5.8, 7-5.9, and one stated it had dropped 5 points.