Living with Diabetes, a six-week virtual program, builds community of support

DECATUR, Ill.— Living with diabetes can sometimes feel overwhelming. Planning meals, counting carbohydrates, and just understanding how to adjust your lifestyle is a lot of information to digest. University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt counties understands these struggles and is hosting a weekly lunch and learn program to offer support.

Living Well with Diabetes, a six-week lunchtime virtual support group, will meet online from noon to 12:30 p.m. on the following Thursdays: Sept. 15, Sept. 22, Sept. 29, Oct. 13, Oct. 20, and Oct. 27. These thirty-minute programs will feature a short lesson and the opportunity to connect with others who have diabetes.

“Living with a chronic illness like diabetes means managing it all day, every day,” says Nutrition and Wellness Educator, Caitlin Mellendorf. “While education is a big piece of this series, I hope those who attend find community along the way.”

University of Illinois Extension is partnering with other agencies for this program and has planned the following topics:

Sept. 15: Setting Goals for Diabetes
Sept. 22: Diabetes Management Beyond Food
Sept. 29: Diabetes Nutrition Refresher
Oct. 13:  Developing Your Diabetes Care Team
Oct. 20:  Planning Meals for Blood Sugar Management
Oct. 27:  Dining Out and Snacks for Blood Sugar Management

To register for this free program, visit go.illinois.edu/LivingWell by Sept. 9. For questions, please contact Caitlin Mellendorf at 217-877-6042.

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Caitlin at 217-877-6042 or chuth2@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access need.

SOURCE: Caitlin Mellendorf, Nutrition and Wellness Educator, University of Illinois Extension
WRITER: Maria Lightner, Marketing and Communications, University of Illinois Extension

ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.