What is Health Extension for Diabetes?
Health Extension for Diabetes (HED) is a FREE diabetes support program for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes that is recognized by the American Diabetes Association as a practice-tested diabetes support program.
The mission of UGA’s HED Program is to support and empower people with diabetes so that they can prevent or delay future diabetes-related complications. This mission is achieved by providing program participants with education on self-care behaviors and support with navigating local resources to help people better manage their diabetes.
Program Overview
The HED program is 4 months long and includes education sessions that teach participants self-care behaviors including nutrition, physical activity, and stress management for diabetes. The program also includes intermittent support sessions, connections to clinical experts in diabetes care, and guidance with finding community resources that can help participants overcome barriers to participation and behavior change.
Trained UGA Extension agents deliver HED programming across the state of Georgia in local community spaces, such as churches, community centers, libraries, or online using Zoom. While meetings are led by a UGA Extension agent, the program is largely discussion based, and participants will be encouraged to share their own experiences during sessions.
Program Topics:
- Life with Diabetes
- Eating Health with Diabetes
- Being active with Diabetes
- Problem-Solving and Resource Navigation
- Reducing Risks with Diabetes
Program Eligibility:
- 18 years of age or older
- Georgia Resident
- Diagnosis of Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes