URBANA, Ill. — Over 37.3 million Americans live with diabetes, and another 38% of adults have prediabetes. Raising awareness and learning as much as possible about preventing and treating diabetes is essential. University of Illinois Extension offers Diabetes 101, a free online series to help build a solid foundation for diabetes care. Participants will learn the importance of lifestyle and how nutrition, meal planning, physical activity, weight, stress management, and talking with their healthcare provider can help improve their quality of life and feel better.

“Whether someone or a loved one has diabetes or prediabetes, they need to understand the fundamental concepts to manage this progressive disease effectively,” says Extension Educator Diane Reinhold. “This series is ideal for learning how to act and care to prevent and treat it.”

This six-week series comprised of one-hour sessions offers a wide variety of topics. Individuals can sign up for all the sessions or just the ones they want to learn more about.

Session dates:

• Building a Strong Foundation | Oct. 4, Noon
• Not All Carbohydrates Are Created Equal | Oct. 11, Noon
• Meal Planning Made Easy | Oct. 18, Noon
• Why Sodium and Fat Matter | Oct. 25, Noon
• Get to Know Your Diabetes Care Team | Nov. 1, Noon
• Management Beyond Food | Nov. 8, Noon

Participation is free, but registration is required at go.illinois.edu/Diabetes101Registration

For more information or if you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact Samantha McLain at (217) 300-2525 or slangley@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.
 

SOURCE: Diane Reinhold, Nutrition and Wellness Extension Educator, Illinois Extension

WRITER: Herbert Chavez, Media Communications Coordinator, Illinois Extension