URBANA, Ill. – For the millions of Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes, adopting a healthy lifestyle is critical in managing the disease for improved quality of life. University of Illinois Extension’s upcoming webinar series, Managing Diabetes in a Modern World, will provide research-based information and strategies that strengthen the diabetic’s wellness journey as they navigate managing the disease in a modern world of fad diets, food myths, instant meals, and instant gratification.
“Over 34.2 million Americans have diabetes, and 34.5% of the adult US population has prediabetes,” said Extension nutrition and wellness educator Diane Reinhold. “Whether you are newly diagnosed, or have been living with the disease for years, this webinar series offers valuable information and strategies to help navigate questions and concerns, enrich wellness, and overall management of the disease.”
The five-week online webinar series occurs weekly on Wednesdays at 10 a.m., beginning Oct. 14 and running through Nov. 11. The webinars are free, but advance registration for the event link is required.
On Oct. 14, the series kicks off with an overview of diabetes, and tips on setting realistic personal goals related to food choices and activities specific to diabetes. On Oct. 21, educators will share meal planning tools and how to accurately count carbs, and share research-based information to support accountability. On Oct. 28, presenters will cover different resources, services, and supports for people living with diabetes.
The Nov. 4 webinar focuses on achieving healthfulness of meals without sacrificing taste. The series concludes Nov. 11 with discussion on the importance of communicating with your healthcare team, how high blood sugars impact health, and risk factors and red flags for people diagnosed with diabetes.
For more information on this series, or if you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact webinar coordinator Diane Reinhold at dreinhol@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting access needs.
SOURCE: Diane Reinhold, Nutrition and Wellness Educator, Illinois Extension
WRITER: Carissa Mann, Communications, Illinois Extension, cdmann@illinois.edu
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.