Indianapolis (Wish) —Diabetes remains a significant public health issue in the United States, currently affecting more than 11% of the population.
A particular concern among people with diabetes is food insecurity, the lack of access to food due to insufficient funds. To address this challenge, IU Health has implemented a pilot program using the concept of “food as medicine” to support food-insecure people with diabetes.
This innovative pilot program aims to reduce the combined impact of diabetes and food insecurity through customized nutrition support and education interventions.
Understanding diabetes is essential for effective disease management and prevention of complications. Diabetes education includes information on disease detection, treatment, and self-management. Whether you are at risk of developing diabetes or have already been diagnosed, learning about diabetes can have a major impact on your ability to manage the disease.
IU Health’s Diabetes Care and Education Specialists, including specially trained dietitians and nurse practitioners, provide comprehensive support for all types of diabetes, including type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes, as well as insulin management, pump therapy and prediabetes prevention strategies.
According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 35 million Americans, or 11.3% of the population, have diabetes. This includes about 1.9 million people with type 1 diabetes and about 8.5 million undiagnosed cases.
Managing diabetes requires a delicate balance of proper nutrition, exercise, medications and coping strategies. IU Health educators work with patients, their families and health care providers to develop individualized management plans. Educational topics include dealing with the emotional aspects of diabetes, understanding medications, making healthy food choices, monitoring blood sugar levels, the importance of physical activity, preventing complications and using diabetes technology.
Diabetes education can help maintain quality of life and overcome obstacles. For those at risk for diabetes or with a family history of diabetes, early education and screening are essential for prevention and early intervention.
IU Health offers a variety of services, including comprehensive diabetes education and counseling, individual consultations, diabetes prevention classes, insulin management and medical nutrition therapy, designed to help patients effectively manage their diabetes and improve their overall health.
Diabetes Support Group Schedule
- Tuesday, June 25
- 4pm – 5pm | Free
- Thursday, July 11
- 5:30pm – 6:30pm | Free
- Tuesday, July 30
- 4pm – 5pm | Free
- Thursday, August 1
- 5:30pm – 6:30pm | Free
If you are interested in signing up, please contact registered dietitian Nicole Harmeson at harmeson@IUHealth.org.
Jennifer Bradley, IU Health’s population health operations manager, appeared on News 8 Midday to discuss the project in more detail with WISH TV’s Jeremy Jenkins.











