COUDERSPORT — Penn State Cooperative Extension will offer a Dining with Diabetes program from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Potter County Extension Office in Coudersport.
Dining with Diabetes is a nationally accredited program for adults with or at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Family members and/or friends are also invited to attend the program.
Organizers said the class will meet for five Tuesdays with a three month follow-up. The cost is $20 per individual and $15 for an additional person. For less than $5 per session, participants learn how to prepare meals that are healthy, simple, and tasty and will have the opportunity to sample many recipes. Participants will also obtain skills for living well with diabetes by learning about medications, reading food labels, dining out, coping with stress and important diabetes-related medical tests.
A1C, a measure of blood glucose levels (a $35 value) and blood pressure will be taken at the first and follow-up classes. Participants are also given incentives such as an exercise DVD, plate method placemat, and a Dining with Diabetes Cookbook.
Organizers said after completing the class, 50 percent of participants experienced a drop in A1C and 59 percent saw a drop in blood pressure. Participants also increased their daily physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake, and were more confident that they could keep their diabetes under control.
Diabetes is a very serious and costly disease, but research has shown that those who learn to
manage their blood glucose (sugar) levels, eat healthy, and exercise regularly can lower their risk of complications and lead a healthier and more productive life. For individuals with pre-diabetes lifestyle modification information learned in this class can prevent individuals from developing type 2 diabetes and the complications associated with it.
Pre-registration is required and can be made by contacting the Potter County Extension Office at 814-274-8540 or registering online at extension.psu.edu/diabetes by Jan. 3.
Dining with Diabetes is an approved research project conducted by Penn State University.
Participation in research is voluntary.
