SMETHPORT — To help individuals build a strong base for managing diabetes and improving health, Penn State Extension will offer “Dining with Diabetes” course starting Sept. 5. The course includes four weekly classes, a three-month follow up and a live cooking demonstration.

The classes will occur from 10 a.m. to noon. Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26, at the Penn State Extension McKean County office, 17129 Route 6. A follow-up class will occur Dec. 19.

The course is aimed at adults with Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes or who are at risk of developing diabetes; caregivers and families; and anyone who wants to learn more about managing Type 2 diabetes.

The program will cover how to:

• Make healthy food choices.
• Plan meals and count carbohydrates.
• Set goals and track progress.
• Make daily physical activity choices.
• Read food labels.
• Eat wisely while dining out.

The course is open to everyone in the community but is offered at no-cost for AmeriHealth Caritas Pennsylvania members.

“AmeriHealth Caritas Pennsylvania has partnered with Dining with Diabetes because it is a practical, evidence-based educational program for members living with diabetes,” said Dr. Michael Baer, plan medical director for AmeriHealth Caritas. “Dining with Diabetes provides our members the tools to understand the basics of diabetes better and to better self-manage their condition, including how food choice affects diabetes and the importance of testing with health care providers to direct care for their condition.”

All participants receive the “Dining with Diabetes” cookbook, health and nutrition fact sheets, and meal planning tools.

To learn more and enroll by Sept. 2, visit extension.psu.edu/dining-with-diabetes or call (877) 345-0691.