This fall over 20 seniors from the Olivia Haydel Senior Center participated in the Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP). The class was administered by MaryBeth Hornbeck, Rockdale County Extension Agent.

“I really wanted to teach the class because Rockdale has more prevalent rates of diabetes than the state average and it can be a very isolating and demoralizing condition. The DEEP class is amazing in how upbeat and empowering it is, with participants learning how much really is in their control and what measures they can take to feel a lot better,” said Marybeth Hornbeck.

This dynamic class focused on activities and discussions rather than lectures and PowerPoints. Through crosswords, puzzles and diagrams, participants learned about the importance of taking medication and checking their feet as well as the best salad dressings and party foods for diabetics. It also focused on achievable goal setting based on what they learned.

One of the best parts was hearing the wisdom and real talk shared around the room. This included questions about different medications, who the best doctors are, and where to get monitors and shoes. The class was developed by Everyone with Diabetes Counts and is administered through Alliant Quality who aims to improve the quality of care for Medicare in Georgia. The class was delivered at the Senior Center by Rockdale County Cooperative Extension.

The class got great feedback and results! One participant said, “I finally felt ownership over my condition. Through better food choices, I’ve already lost five pounds and feel much better!”

Another said, “After learning that the symptoms of low and high blood sugar are very similar, I started checking when I felt strange! This helped me react properly to what my body was telling me.”

If you work with seniors and would like to host this dynamic class, contact MaryBeth Hornbeck at 770-278-7373.