Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Blood glucose is your main source of energy and comes from the food you eat.   (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2019.)  Poorly controlled diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, blindness, kidney disease, nervous system disease, dental disease, amputations, and other problems. 

In Taylor County, 15% of people have been diagnosed with diabetes, (Kentucky is 13%).  To address this issue, “Taking Ownership of Your Diabetes” was offered by the Extension Office and a certified diabetes educator health care partner from the Taylor County Health Department. The curriculum includes strategies such as goal setting and problem solving to empower individuals to manage their diabetes and to improve their quality of life. The program was offered as a 4 week series in the fall of 2018.  Following the program, an evaluation was collected to determine the results of the self-management program, which found.  43% were participating in regular physical activity, 40% were monitoring their blood glucose one or more times a day, 50% were planning meals to help with diabetes and 67% felt they were in control of their diabetes.