Rite Bite Diabetes Cooking School will be held on April 18 and 25 from 6-7:30pm at the Lakeland United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. The event is free, but registration is required by calling 229-482-3895.

Presented by SGMC Lanier Campus, Lanier County UGA Extension, and the Lanier County Family Connection, the classes are designed to empower those with diabetes to cook nutritious and delicious food. By balancing the food you eat with exercise and medicine (if prescribed), a healthy weight can be controlled.

According to the 2015 Community Health Needs Assessment, the percentage of adults aged 20 and older in Lanier County with diabetes is below the national benchmark; however, the age-adjusted death rate is well above the accepted level. Rite Bite is a diabetic focused program to help residents with not only their dietary needs but guide them into living an overall healthier lifestyle.

According to the American Diabetes Association, many Americans with or at risk for developing diabetes know that eating healthy may help prevent or manage the disease, but finding time to cook healthy and tasty meals can be a challenge. Moreover, many people lack the nutritional knowledge needed to eat well.

Each session will feature a brief presentation on diabetes nutrition management along with a sampling of lower calorie, controlled carbohydrate recipes. For more information call 229-482-3895.