Diabetes-related complications can be serious, costly, and deadly. They include heart disease, stroke, kidney damage (chronic kidney disease and kidney failure), blindness, and amputations of the legs and feet. Diabetes-related complications are more likely and more severe among people whose diabetes is not well managed and those who have had diabetes longer. People with diabetes can better manage their condition and improve their health by following preventive care practices. These practices include receiving annual foot and eye exams and attending diabetes self-management classes. Diabetes is a common disease in Kentucky and the nation, with type 2 diabetes being the most common form: Prevalence in adults: The prevalence of diabetes has increased from 6.5% of Kentucky adults (240,000 adults) in 2000 to 13.4% (458,000 adults) in 2015. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has estimated that the annual cost of diabetes to Kentucky is $2.66 billion dollars in direct medical costs and an additional $1.19 billion in reduced productivity, for a total cost to the Commonwealth of $3.85 billion.
 Fayette County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension and the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department collaborated to teach a community diabetes management workshop. The program consisted of 4 weekly 2 hour sessions and a post program. Significant outcomes include noted improvement in both AIC and blood pressure.
 Findings from participant’s 4 month post-surveys and follow-up lab work:

• 9 completed the entire program – meaning they attended all 4 sessions (8 hours) and completed follow up at 4-month post program 
• 9 out of 9 (100%) achieved their Learning Goals at program completion
• 8 out of 9 (89%) achieved their Behavioral Goals at program completion 
• Average A1C reduction from 7.03% at baseline to 6.9% at program completion (this is quite significant although it may not appear to be – average A1C was above target at baseline and within target at completion)
• Blood pressure reduction noted across the board 
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  • Average systolic blood pressure reduction at program completion -3%
  • Average diastolic blood pressured reduction at program completion -4%

• 9 out of 9 (100%) increased their physical activity

As the burden of diabetes in Kentucky continues to grow, we must increase our efforts to make changes in our communities, health care systems, and personal behaviors in order to impact the growing epidemic. For people with diabetes, learning about diabetes and how it impacts their body is vital for making lifestyle changes and understanding guidance from their physicians. *This program is currently being repeated for 16 new participants.