Parmesan crusted chicken and Brussel sprouts. The WVU Extension Service is offering diabetic cooking classes Thursdays in the month of October. The class will teach diabetics and their families/caretakers tasty meals that are diabetic friendly. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — The WVU Extension Service will be resuming its in-person Dining with Diabetes classes this fall.

After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic, the classes will be returning Thursdays this October at Emmanuel Baptist Church at 1710 23rd St., Parkersburg.

The classes are scheduled for 1 p.m. Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27. Each class will be around two hours long.

“We will be doing cooking demonstrations and lessons with dietitians and certified diabetes educators each week to present,” said Gwen Crum, Assistant Professor and Family and Community Development Agent with the WVU Extension Service — Wood County.

The classes also give the opportunity for people to meet different people they can contact for help managing their diabetes or a loved one’s diabetes.

“For people with diabetes these classes could hopefully help them manage it better,” Crum said.

If someone is pre-diabetic, the classes could help them make some basic life changes which can help them lower their A1C level, she said.

There will be an opportunity to taste a variety of main dishes, side dishes and sugar-free or low sugar desserts. Classes will include tasting meals that are healthy and use less fat, salt and sugar without cutting taste.

“It will be tasty diabetic friendly recipes,” Crum said. “I like to do a lot of focusing on fruit as options for desserts, other than in pies, so people would have that as an option.”

Participants will also get copies of the recipes they are preparing and more to be used at home.

The program is free and open to anyone with diabetes, their family members and caretakers.

The class will be limited to 20 participants as many with diabetes are still concerned about COVID. The classes will still spread people out.

To reserve a spot or for more information, call 304-424-1960.