A diabetes education program offered virtually by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System will begin in March, according to an announcement from the Lawrence County Extension Office.
The Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP) will be offered in six 30-minute to hour-long online sessions starting March 24th.
“Let’s have a DEEP talk about treating your diabetes,” said Elaine Softly, the regional agent who will lead the program.
About 610,458 Alabamians are living with diabetes, notes Softley. An estimated 31,000 citizens are diagnosed with diabetes each year.
She added that diabetes and prediabetes cost an estimated $ 5.4 billion each year in Alabama. Serious complications of the disease include heart disease, stroke, amputation, end-stage kidney disease, blindness, and even death.
The Softley series covers the following topics: Understanding the human body, understanding risk factors for diabetes, monitoring your body, being physically active, planning meals, identifying and preventing complications, getting information on medication and medical care, and living with diabetes: Your family and mobilize friends.
For those who do not have access to reliable Internet service, there may be other options for joining the program, according to Donna Shanklin, Extensions Coordinator.
“The program can be offered face-to-face to established groups such as a quilting group, church members, or book clubs, provided they follow COVID-19 guidelines,” Shanklin said. “Just call the office to see if Softley can add you to their schedule. If you don’t have internet access, we can offer use of our facilities to a limited number of people in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines. “
Online sessions will take place on March 24, March 31, April 7, April 14, April 21 and April 28 at 12:00 noon.
Questions can be directed to Elaine Softley at 256-324-2851 or email es0021@aces.edu. Call the Lawrence County Extension Office in Alabama 157 in Moulton at 256-974-2464.
