Free classes teach how to manage eating with diabetes

JACKSON, Tenn. — A free class designed for people with diabetes teaches how to manage blood sugar levels without cutting out all of your favorite foods.

Living with diabetes can be challenging. It requires keeping track of blood sugar levels and doing so starts with eating healthy. A free class, ‘Dining with Diabetes,’ Offered through UT Extension aims to help people with diabetes and their family members make healthy food choices.

Tuesday at The Lift in downtown Jackson, individuals learned about carbohydrates and fiber.

“So it’s very important to eat fiber. Not just for people with diabetes, but for all of us. Fiber helps to control blood sugar,” said Tennille Short, Madison County UT Extension agent.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) considers 15 grams of carbohydrates to be one serving. However, the exact number of carbs you should eat depends on many factors, including your activity level, weight and age.

“Reading your food labels is so important so that you know which items have what amounts of carbohydrates,” said Short.

The 3-part class gives food demonstrations, and participants also get to taste test.

“Today’s recipe was a wrap. A sandwich is something that people with diabetes shy away from, but we want to show them that there are still options out there that they can eat, using a wrap and it will not run their blood sugar up,” said Short.

Many people think they only have to worry about blood sugar. According to the ADA, diabetes is a major risk factor for heart disease. In Tennessee, more than 14%, of adults, have been diagnosed with diabetes and nearly 10% reported being told that they were prediabetic.

Experts estimate this number represents only half of those living with the disease. To learn more about making healthy food choices and managing weight through the Dining with Diabetes program, call your county’s UT Extension office.

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