Amy Valdez

Ms. Amy Valdez


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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3 August 2024 in Nutrients
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SVSumathi Venkatesh
Sumathi Venkatesh
DLDavid O. Leal
David O. Leal
AVAmy Valdez
Amy Valdez
PBPaula Butler
Paula Butler
OKOdessa Keenan
Odessa Keenan
EMElaine Montemayor-Gonzalez
Elaine Montemayor-Gonzalez
One in ten Americans suffers from type 2 diabetes, which, if not managed well, can result in severe complications, disability, and premature death. Diabetes education classes can play a pivotal role in providing practical education on diabetes and self-care behaviors, with a particular emphasis on dietary management, which is often regarded as the most demanding diabetes self-care behavior. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service developed Cooking Well with Diabetes (CWWD), a four-week interactive diabetes education series, with each week consisting of a lecture on healthy eating coupled with cooking lessons featuring diabetes-friendly recipes. The current study aimed to examine the effectiveness of CWWD in improving the frequency of healthy food preparation and consumption of program participants. Secondary data from 2017 to 2023 was analyzed involving 1574 adults from 59 predominantly rural Texas counties. Data from self-reported pre and post evaluations showed improvements in healthy food preparation and consumption behaviors. The curriculum enabled Extension Educators to introduce healthful dietary behaviors to a diverse group of clients. The curriculum can be adapted by Extension Educators in other states reaching a broader audience. The findings will inform future research aimed at planning and implementing successful diabetes education programs.