The WVU Extension Service will conduct Dining with Diabetes classes Thursdays in March at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1710 23rd St., Parkersburg. The classes are scheduled for 1-3 p.m. March 16, 23, 30 and April 6 at the church. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — The WVU Extension Service will begin its spring Dining with Diabetes classes next month.

The classes will be held Thursdays in March at Emmanuel Baptist Church,1710 23rd St. Classes are scheduled for 1-3 p.m. March 16, 23, 30 and April 6 at the church.

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 in Wood County.

The classes are an opportunity for people to meet others they can contact for help managing their diabetes or a loved one’s diabetes.

The WVU Extension Service will conduct Dining with Diabetes classes Thursdays in March at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1710 23rd St., Parkersburg. The classes are scheduled for 1-3 p.m. March 16, 23, 30 and April 6 at the church. (Photo Provided)

“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.

Participants will have the 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.

For more information, call 304-424-1960.