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Dining with Diabetes in Cuyahoga County

With diabetes on the rise nationwide, Ohio State University Extension responded with a program called Dining with Diabetes. In Cuyahoga County, one out of 14 residents has diabetes and the numbers are higher in minority populations.

OSU Extension offers Dining with Diabetes programs in many parts of the state. In Cuyahoga County, the program is a partnership between OSU Extension and the Diabetes Association of Greater Cleveland. Since 2003, the program has reached over 300 residents in Cuyahoga County.

One of the goals of the program is to encourage participants to improve self-management skills. One individual that stands out is Darryl, a young African-American male that attended classes at Care Alliance, a health clinic that serves low-income individuals in the Woodland neighborhood of Cleveland.

As a result of his participation in the workshop, Darryl learned new information about diabetes and the important role nutrition plays in diabetes management. He lost 15 pounds over a three-month period and was able to manage his blood glucose levels.

The food demonstration and tasting sessions are popular with participants. Darryl is preparing healthy recipes at home for himself and his family with the recipes he received in class. He continues his medical treatment at Care Alliance and has participated in a variety of community-based walk programs.

Funding for this program was made possible through a grant from the Ohio Department of Health.

For information on starting a such a program in your community, contact:

Marisa Warrix
Extension Educator
Family and Consumer Sciences
Cuyahoga County
warrix.1@osu.edu
216-429-8217

or

Mary Ann Nicolay
Diabetes Association of Greater Cleveland
mnicolay@dagc.org
216-591-0800

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Created: 2008-04-14, Updated: 2008-04-14