The Patrick County Extension office is offering a lifestyle modification program to help residents with diabetes or pre-diabetes better control their disease and improve their health.

Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. The prevalence of diabetes in the United States has increased at an alarming rate, soaring by 45% between 2001 and 2010.
The Balanced Living with Diabetes Program is a free, five-session lifestyle change program that spans three months. It leads participants through a process of developing healthy diet and activity behaviors that result in improved diabetes management.

During the sessions, participants will review diabetic meal planning practices, portion control, and self-management strategies for living well with diabetes. Participants will be eligible for a free A1C test and blood pressure screening at no cost. Diabetic friendly recipes will be demonstrated. There is an opportunity for eligible individuals to participate in a study to evaluate the impact of this program.

The dates of this program will be February 16, March 2, March 16, April 6 and May 18 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The classes will be held at the Stuart campus of Patrick Henry Community College.
The classes are free but pre-registration is required due to limited seating. Anyone interested in participating in this effective program should contact Terri Alt, Family and Consumer Science Agent at the Patrick County Extension Office at 694-3341 to register.