All of Appalachia has health disparities, including chronic diseases of all kinds, obesity and diabetes.  In a creative effort to combat those, the Pike County Family and Consumer Sciences Program worked with Pikeville Medical Center and the Pike County Health Department to deliver the Dining with Diabetes curriculum to 19 participants with diabetes.  The program included an interactive educational lesson followed by hands-on food preparation in small group settings.  Participants prepared healthy carb-friendly options, vegetable dishes and one-pot meals while also working on social skills and cooking in a small group setting.  In addition to the Dining with Diabetes curriculum recipes, every class meeting featured preparation of a USDA Snap recipe and the class focused on healthy fruits and vegetables. They learned portion control, shopping and storage, proper preparation, knife skills, food safety, working together, and many other essential skills with trained Extension staff and volunteers.

          Respondent surveys showed more than half added exercise to their daily routine following the conclusion of the program.  A staggering 100% reported eating smaller portions and 75% reporting cooking more meals at home after the Dining with Diabetes Cooking Socials.  

          One participant reported attending the class because she was a “borderline” diabetic.  Her doctor had given her a few months to reduce her A1c level before going on medication.  After class, she joined the medical center’s monthly support group for additional assistance. She reports exercising and moving every day. She also attends a monthly healthy nutrition lesson sponsored by the Extension Office all in her efforts to manage diabetes and improve her lifestyle.