By MONIQUE KOERNER
Cottonwood Extension District
Cottonwood Extension District brought the diabetes education program Dining with Diabetes to Ellis County for the first time in June. Monique Koerner and Karissa Winkel, Family and Community Wellness Agents were trained in 2023 and introduced the program to Hays last month.
Dining with Diabetes is a national extension program provided to Kansans by K-State Research and Extension Family and Consumer Sciences professionals and community health partners. The program is a series of four, 2-hour classes that are held once a week. Classes consist of a presentation on diabetes self-care or healthful food choices; presentations on tasty, healthy familiar foods, sampling foods, and demonstrations of cooking techniques using artificial sweeteners, reduced-fat foods, herbs, and spices.
The class in Hays had 8 attendees which was a really nice size for our first group of participants. Some of the participants knew each other and others met for the first time. However, they all had something in common. They were dealing with diabetes management for themselves or with a loved one.
In addition to the education aspect of the program, the group cooked together which really helped them get to know each other. Hopefully by actually cooking meals that are designed specifically for diabetics they got the hands-on practice that gave them the confidence to try more healthy meals at home. Participants received a book of recipes that have been created for diabetics. One participant noted how much better she felt after eating the healthy recipes. Another participant was surprised to find out she could still eat foods she thought were taboo or felt she had to eliminate from her diet.
Another aspect of diabetes that isn’t often discussed are the feelings around being diagnosed and managing diabetes. Sometimes it can be overwhelming. However, one of the participants felt that being able to share feelings with other diabetics was helpful. She felt supported which in turn helped her to make changes in her nutritional life and motivated to start taking better care of herself.
Extension also partners with local agencies such as health departments, hospitals, and dieticians to answer questions that may require a health care provider knowledge. In June, we had Kalee Lundmark, Registered Dietician, serve as our expert guest speaker. Kalee provided more specific information around nutrition, resources, and medications.
Part of the Dining with Diabetes program includes a 3 month follow up class for participants to share about their progress and challenges since taking the class. That class is planned for the first part of October.
Cottonwood Extension District will be offering Dining with Diabetes later this year in Barton County. Watch for details this fall.
Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or [email protected]