For many Ohio families, managing diabetes can be challenging, especially when barriers make it harder to access affordable, healthy food.

“Dining with Diabetes,” an Ohio State University Extension program, offers hands-on education designed to help people turn medical advice into everyday habits.

Emily Marrison, family and consumer sciences educator for Ohio State University Extension, said many participants in Coshocton County lacked proper resources after being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

“They were left on their own to really figure out what it meant to have diabetes and to live well with diabetes, and manage that well,” Marrison said.

About 300 Ohioans participate in Dining with Diabetes each year, including people who are newly diagnosed or prediabetic, as well as caregivers and family members supporting someone with diabetes.

Marrison pointed out the program can help spur lifestyle changes that may prevent lengthy doctor’s visits. She added people often return for a follow-up session three to six months after the last cooking class to talk about the changes they’ve made.

“One of the main things that I hear from people is that it's just given them more opportunities for trying different recipes, and it's given them the encouragement that they need to make changes in their life that really make a difference for them,” Marrison said.

According to the Ohio Department of Health, more than 1.2 million Ohio adults were living with diabetes in 2024. The disease is estimated to cost the state about $11 billion.

Source: Public News Service