Due to poor diets and lack of physical activity in daily routines, diabetes is on the rise in Bell County. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention and Kentucky Department for Health report that 25% of adults in Bell County have been diagnosed with diabetes.

The Bell County Cooperative Extension Service SNAP-Ed Program through the University of Kentucky offered a series of nutrition lessons to citizens of Bell County. The SNAP-Ed Assistant educated a group of 5 women on the benefits of eating healthy by using the Healthy Choices for Every Body Curriculum. The group learned how to build a healthy plate at each meal by using portion control, knowing the limits of solid fats and added sugars and not exceeding their daily calorie intake. Upon exiting the program 100% of the participant showed a positive improvement in their diet quality.

One participant stated,” During the time I have been in this program my blood sugar levels have gone from the 300’s to the 150’s.”