Many people in Harlan are dealing with diabetes as either they or a loved one are afflicted with the disease. The Harlan County Extension Office is hosting a series of workshops, offering support and information about the condition at the Extension Depot in Harlan.

Although the first workshop has passed, there is still plenty of time to attend the remaining four on Oct. 24, Oct. 31 and Nov. 7 and 14. The program is being offered by the Harlan County Extension Office, the Harlan County Health Department and Kentucky Homeplace. Every session of the program will include food demonstrations, basic diabetic presentations and more.

Pam Duncan of the Harlan County Extension Office shed some light on the workshops.

“There are three different groups involved,” Duncan said. “We start if off with a little cooking demonstration and I do diabetic recipes from the University of Kentucky. All of our recipes have been approved.”

As most are aware, individuals with diabetes must monitor their diet carefully.

According to Duncan, in addition to the recipes she goes over the different food groups.

A nurse from the Harlan County Health Department will be teaching things such as reading a diabetic meter and other related information.

“You don’t have to be a diabetic, the workshops are for anyone who wants a healthy lifestyle,” Duncan said. “There are many health problems in Harlan other than diabetes, and everybody that would want to come to the workshops would benefit from it.”

Kentucky Homeplace will be represented by Darla Shepherd.

“She teaches how to cope with the changes in your life,” Duncan said. “When you’re diagnosed with diabetes or any kind of chronic disease, it really makes a difference and can really get you down. She tells how to cope with that.”

Duncan said the program also will deal with aspects of Medicare and even being fitted for diabetic footwear.

“It’s a real good program,” Duncan said. “At the end, we do a little exercise program…every time we meet we have a little exercise at the end.”

Duncan said the Extension Office would like to start a support group for diabetics to meet once a month provided there is enough interest. Anyone interested in such a support group should call the Harlan County Extension Office let them know.

All the classes are free. To register or for more information, call the Harlan County Extension Office at 606-573-4464.