The problem- According to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, the Appalachia area of Kentucky has an alarming 16% of the population who have been diagnosed with diabetes.  This number far exceeds the average of the rest of the state. 

The educational program response- Magoffin County Extension Service offered the National Dining with Diabetes program to try to aid those dealing with diabetes.

The participants/target audience-The target audience for Dining with Diabetes is adults with diabetes and/or family members responsible for planning and preparing meals. 

Other partners (if applicable)- ARH Diabetes Educator, Ashley Webb, met with the group to offer valuable information about programs that ARH offers clients with diabetes.  On the first meeting, she brought A1C tests and administered free A1C tests for all those attending.  In addition, she brought goodie bags with items included that would be helpful for a person with diabetes. As a result of the class, Ashley will be holding a diabetes support meeting monthly in our office.  She will send a recipe in advance that will be prepared to share with the clients.  Also, she will be providing $25.00 gift cards to attendees for Food City. 

Program impact or participant response.-Although the program got a slow start, the group gradually grew significantly. Each time, there was great interaction between participants and presenters.  Increasing exercise was reported by over 50% of the class and 75% reported that they cooked more meals at home and began being more conscientious about portion control. Finally, 90% of those attending feel confident that they can keep their diabetes under control or help the person they care for keep their diabetes under control. One of the participants commented that she had learned more from this program than any that she had attended for diabetes education.