Program Overview

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’.

Curriculum

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.

Diabetes Care & 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:

  • Menu planning
  • Carbohydrate counting
  • Portion control
  • Label reading
  • Healthy fats
  • Importance of fiber in managing diabetes

*Note: Individual meal plans are not provided.

Who should attend the 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 virtually in most counties in Maryland. 

The program is led by a team of trained registered dietitians and University of Maryland Extension educators in consultation with registered dietitians.

Terry Serio

Karen Basinger

Cheryl Bush

Jennifer Dixon-Cravens

Beverly Jackey

Lisa McCoy

Mona Habibi

Shauna Henley

Dhruti Patel

Joi Vogin

Upcoming Dining with Diabetes Programs In-Person

February 2, 9, 16, 23, 4:30-6:30 pm University of Maryland, Frederick County office

Contact: Joi Vogin, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator

301-600-3573 or jvogin@umd.edu

 

March 4, 11, 18, 25, 10 am - noon; Kent Island Senior Center, Stevensville, Md.

Contact: Cheryl Bush, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator

410-758-0166 x3906 or cherb@umd.edu

 

April 5,12, 19, 26, 6:00-8:00 pm Kent Family YMCA, Chestertown, Maryland

Contact: Beverly Jackey, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator

410-996-8133 or bjackey@umd.edu