The incidence of diabetes in KY has doubled from 2000 to 2017, it increased to 12.9%. The prevalence of diabetes in the Cumberland Valley Region is 15.8 % and many are living with diabetes and don’t know they have it.

The Family and Consumer Science Agent was asked to participate in a grant to form a Diabetes Coalition in Clay County.  Each county received 10,000.00 to form the coalition and sponsor programs for diabetics or pre diabetic individuals.

The Clay County Family and Consumer Science Agent and the Clay County Health Department presented a Diabetic Support  program for 8 diabetics or pre diabetic individuals. Those present learned the impact diabetes has on the body as well as society and the workforce. They sampled a diabetic dish and learned the importance of eating a carbohydrate serving size for the diabetic.   Four programs have been presented this year. 

Due to the Covid we provided Facebook Live session for the Diabetes Support group that was open to all individuals on Facebook that would be interested or had diabetes.  It was attended by the support groups and was presented as a FB Live due to them being of a vulnerable age and extenuating health conditions.  Due to Covid we also did a June Walking Challenge sponsored by the Diabetes Coalition we had 79 people registered who turned in a month of walking calendars They practiced social distancing while healthy at home, promote physical activity, and take care of yourself.   An evaluation was completed at the end of the challenge with these results 39% returned a by email evaluation- 39% stated they felt better, 11%stated their blood pressure had lowered, 39%stated their weight had maintained or decreased, 30%stated they feel better mentally, Statements from participants this has made me accountable, I have loved it, I'm sleeping better and eating healthier, more energy. 

This coalition is also working with Freedom House to provide a raised bed garden to their clients.  We are providing all needed supplies and plants for them to have a late summer garden and fall garden.  They will be harvesting their garden produce and learning about preparing and preserving it. The Family and Consumer Science agents has worked with Freedom House to purchase plants for strawberries and for a spring and summer garden for the clients.