DINING WITH DIABETES CLASSES IMPACT COFFEYVILLE RESIDENTS
T
he following comments are a small sampling of the impact resulting from our most recent Dining with Diabetes series of classes which were held this fall in Coffeyville. Signing up for a series of four classes is a big commitment. However, 22 people enrolled and 16 of them attended all four sessions, which I feel attested to the value they placed on the information being taught. Additionally, most of those who had to miss a session contacted me and requested copies of the materials they missed. A number of participants reported that they were preparing food at home more often, as well as using and enjoying the recipes we provided with the class.
“My daughter has learned so much and has made a 180-degree attitude change regarding her recent diagnosis of pre-diabetes and what she will have to do to manage it,” commented one mom. The daughter is now exercising, losing weight and proud to announce that she is making better food choices.
“I’m making a notebook of all my new diabetic-friendly recipes so they are easier to use, and we are slowly changing our kitchen so we have the right stuff to cook more healthfully,” said a class participant attending with her husband who has diabetes.
“I eat out at least two meals a day. After participating in these classes I now think more about the menu and what I choose…I look at the menu a little deeper,” commented one class participant who also reported lower average fasting blood sugar numbers.
“I have been diagnosed as diabetic for 30 years now, but these classes have helped me understand carbs better and helped me do better at eating as I should.”
nutrients) decreased. We determined that our food choices do make a difference to our health!