Dining with Diabetes program returns on Thursdays in August

Sunday, July 6, 2014

Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels are above normal. Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose, or sugar, for our bodies to use for energy.

The pancreas, an organ that lies near the stomach, makes a hormone called insulin to help glucose get into the cells of our bodies. When you have diabetes, your body either doesn't make enough insulin or can't use its own insulin as well as it should. This causes sugar to build up in your blood.

Diabetes can lead to health complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, kidney failure and sometimes amputation. Diabetes is reported as the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. It is important to note there are different types of diabetes.

Types 1 diabetes often known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile-onset diabetes. In type 1 diabetes the body does not produce insulin. Type 1 is usually diagnosed in children and young adults.

Type 2 is the most common type of diabetes. With type 2 diabetes your body does not use insulin properly. This is called insulin resistance. At first, your pancreas makes extra insulin to make up for it. But, over time it isn't able to keep up and can't make enough insulin to keep your blood glucose at normal levels. You can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Stay at a healthy weight, eat well and be active. With these steps, you can stay healthier longer and lower your risk of diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels that is first recognized during pregnancy.

In efforts to educate Putnam County residents on diabetes and the risk factors of the disease, a Dining with Diabetes program is being implemented.

Dining with Diabetes is an educational program and cooking school that will help adults at risk and/or living with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar to feel better and reduce risk of health complications. You will learn how to prepare meals that are healthy, easy to prepare and taste good.

Recipes will be demonstrated, and participants will have the opportunity to taste each one. Participants will also learn up-to-date information on nutrition, meal planning, exercise and how to understand common diabetes-related medical tests. Recipe and handouts will be given to each participant. In each lesson dinner will be served to all registered participants.

The series of four sessions, which run every Thursday in August from Aug. 7-28, is $25. However through donations provided by Autumn Glen, full scholarships are available for participates to take part of the program.

Application and registration will take place at the Purdue Extension-Putnam County office, 12 Central Square, Greencastle. Pre-registration is required. Participants are encouraged to attend all class sessions.

If you have any questions, or would like to register persons may contact the Purdue Extension office at 653-8411, or e-mail cannon16@purdue.edu

Calendar of Events

July 7- Indiana Extension Homemakers, Antique Club open house, Extension Office, 4 p.m.

July 7 -- Cake Decorating 4-H Project Workshop, Fairgrounds, 7 p.m.

July 10 -- Exploring 4-H Field Day, Fairgrounds, 1 p.m.

July 10 -- Cake Decorating 4-H Project Workshop, 7 p.m.

July 18 -- Putnam County Fair starts

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: