November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and the University of Illinois Extension wants to do its part to educate the community on this disease.  A report by the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention showed just over 11% of people in the United States had diabetes in 2021.  Extension leaders are looking to spread awareness on the specifics of diabetes, what to look out for, and how to best make adjustments for those with the condition.

Lisa Peterson is an educator in nutrition and wellness with the University of Illinois Extension.  She says simple food swaps can help prevent certain forms of diabetes and mitigate the effects of the condition for those who already have it.

Peterson believes the campaign – and the Extension’s involvement in it – will help people be more comfortable talking about diabetes. 

With Thanksgiving and the December holidays approaching, now is the time to begin thinking about what will be served.  There are nutritional benefits to different kinds of meat, and the order in which we eat certain foods in the meal plays a factor as well. 

One way to learn about providing nutritious appetizers for guests is at the Extension’s upcoming charcuterie class.  It’s scheduled for Thursday, December 11 at 10:30 at Pana Community Hospital.

More information on the University of Illinois Extension is available at extension.illinois.edu.

Lisa Peterson appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.