Penn State Extension Lehigh County will be offering Dining with Diabetes classes, accredited by the American Association of Diabetes Educators, beginning from 3 to 5 p.m., March 15, at Lehigh County Agricultural Center, in Allentown. A1C blood sugar and blood pressure will be taken at the first and follow-up classes. Items such as an exercise DVD, plate method placemat and a Dining with Diabetes cookbook are included in the program fee.

Classes are offered weekly for four weeks, with a threemonth follow-up. This $200 value is offered at $50 per individual and $15 for an additional person. For $10 per session, participants learn how to prepare meals and learn about upto- date information on nutrition, meal planning, and important diabetes-related medical tests.

After taking the class, 50 percent of participants experienced a drop in A1C and 59 percent saw a drop in blood pressure. Participants also increased their daily physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake and were more confident that they could keep their diabetes under control.

To preregister (required), call Tina Weidele at the Lehigh County Extension office at 610-391-9840. See ad page 13.