Diabetes education works

Sarah Eichberger<eichber2@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension - March 06, 2016

Type 2 diabetes is a health concern for many in northern Michigan. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in most northern counties, the percentage of adults diagnosed with diabetes is above 10 percent, the estimated Michigan average. Prediabetes, a condition where blood glucose is higher than normal, but not yet diabetes, is also a serious health threat. Data does not exist for prediabetes at a state or county level, however nationally; we know prediabetes impacts one out of three adults, or 86 million. Of those 86 million, 9 out of 10 of them do not know they have it.

So what can be done to help manage type 2 diabetes or reverse prediabetes? Lifestyle change - being more aware of what you are eating and drinking, making a plan to eat a more colorful, balanced diet, being physically active most days of the week are examples of changes one can make to help reach big health goals like prevention of type 2 diabetes. Changes to your personal behavior represent one of the several steps that can be taken to help reduce burdens associated with chronic disease. Visit County Health Rankings & Road Maps, to learn more about other science-based, public health approaches to disease prevention.

Michigan State University Extension offers several research-based programs that can support you in accomplishing health goals. Dining with Diabetes is a fun and interactive course series targeting individuals with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes or family members interested in learning more. Participants learn how to make healthy food choices and incorporate balanced menus into the family dining experience. Classes include research-based education, cooking demonstrations and healthy recipe tasting. In addition, participants share and learn from each other and build confidence in their ability to make sustainable healthy choices.

Interested in participating in a Dining with Diabetes course? Consider registering for programs in Kalkaska and Grand Traverse counties.

Kalkaska Dining with Diabetes in partnership with Kalkaska Public Schools Food Service

March 15 and 22, 3:30-5:00

Kalkaska High School Home Economics Classroom, 109 N Birch Street

Participants must register in advance by or before March 9. Call 231-922-4836 to register.

Special thank you to Kalkaska National Honors Society for offering childcare

Traverse City Dining with Diabetes in partnership with NMC Culinary Art Institute Graduate

April 11 and 18, 10:00-1:00

Community Room, Grand Traverse Bay YMCA 3700 West Silver Lake Road Traverse City

Participants must register in advance by before April 1. Call 231-922-4836 to register.

Northwestern Michigan College Culinary Art Institute graduate, Carol Danly preps for a May 2015 Dining with Diabetes cooking and tasting demonstration while YMCA fitness instructor leads course participants in a fitness break.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).