Dining with Diabetes is an evidence-based, national Extension program for adults with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes and their families that teaches healthy meal planning and other self-management skills to help control this disease. Diet is an essential component of diabetes management along with physical activity, medication, and monitoring. Participants learn how to prepare healthy, well-balanced meals, incorporate physical activity into their lifestyle, and monitor their ‘numbers’.
The Dining with Diabetes curriculum has been reviewed and certified by the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES) as meeting the 7 Self-Care Behaviors, which are essential for successful and effective diabetes self-management: Healthy Eating, Being Active, Monitoring, Taking Medication, Problem Solving, Healthy coping, and Reducing Risks.
Education Specialists (ADCES)
Dining with Diabetes complements and does not replace other diabetes education and management programs. It includes a series of four weekly, 2-hour sessions and a three-month follow up class. Each class offers a food demonstration and tasting, discussions regarding important information, recipes, and other resources to help manage diabetes.
You are encouraged to attend all the sessions to gain the benefits from this program.
Participants will learn:
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Menu planning
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Carbohydrate counting
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Portion control
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Label reading
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Healthy fats
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Importance of fiber in managing diabetes
*Note: Individual meal plans are not provided.
Who should attend the Dining with Diabetes program? The program is available to anyone, 18 years or older who is:
- at-risk for or currently has type 2 diabetes
- has pre-diabetes
- a family member or caregiver who provides support for someone with type 2 diabetes
- interested in learning more about managing and preventing type 2 diabetes
Where can you attend a program?
Dining with Diabetes is a statewide program, offered in-person or virtual in most counties in Maryland.
