"Dining with Diabetes" 

Brought to our community with generous support from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. "Dining with Diabetes" is a National Extension Program offered by Family and Consumer Sciences professionals. 

This 4-class series that will meet weekly on the following dates: May 5th (Tuesday),  May 13th (Wednesday), May 20th (Wednesday), and May 27th (Wednesday), from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.  

Description:

"Dining with Diabetes" is a specialized, multi-week educational program that teaches individuals with diabetes, their families, and caregivers how to manage blood sugar through healthy cooking, menu planning, and recipe modification. The program emphasizes managing carbohydrates, reducing fats and sodium, while enjoying nutritious, flavorful meals.

Over four weeks, we will explore various aspects of diabetes, including dietary and lifestyle management. Each session will include engaging discussions, practical tips, and featured recipe preparation and instruction, so you'll get hands-on experience with new ingredients and techniques.

Key aspects of the program include:

• Education: Classes cover common diabetes terminology, nutrition information, carbohydrate counting, and understanding food labels. 
• Hands-on Recipe Preparation: Participants learn and take part in hands-on recipe preparation of diabetic-friendly dishes, sides, and desserts.
• Lifestyle Focus: The program includes discussion on other aspects of diabetes lifestyle management, including physical activity, sleep habits, and stress management.
• Support: The class offers participants the chance to meet others in their community with similar health concerns and goals, serving as a support network for those with diabetes and their caregivers. 

What you receive as a participant of the program:

• Diabetes lifestyle management instruction from a Registered Dietitian.
• Educational handouts, including diabetes-friendly recipes.
• Learn diabetes management strategies, such as menu planning, label reading, carbohydrate counting, and portion management. Practice goal setting using "SMART" goals.
• Instruction for the hands-on preparation of healthy, diabetic-friendly recipes.

Session Topics:

• Week 1: Living Well with Diabetes
• Week 2: Carbohydrates and Nonnutritive Sweeteners
• Week 3: Heart Health, Fats, and Sodium
• Week 4: Vitamins, Minerals, Fiber & Putting it All Together