Diabetes Educator John Quintas of The Diabetes Association Inc., a program of  People, Incorporated met with residents of the Mitchell Heights senior high-rise in the City's South End on January 16, 2014 to demonstrate a low carbohydrate recipe. More than half of the residents gathered for the program indicated that they had diabetes. Rates of diabetes are nearly 20% for persons over 65 years of age, and many more people are pre-diabetic. Mr. Quintas showed the group how they could prepare a tasty chili that would be low in carbohydrates which drive up blood sugar and make symptoms of diabetes worse. "This is a great recipe because you can put it together quickly, it doesn't cost a lot, and it tastes great," quipped Quintas who provides diabetes education for hundreds of people throughout the year for the Association. Click here for a one-minute video of the presentation.  Click here for photos of the World Diabetes Day event held at People Incorporated in November. For more information, contact John Quintas at (508) 679-5233.

(Top row) Howie Galitsky, LSW, of Bristol Elder Services, helps Diabetes Educator John Quintas get ready for the cooking demonstration. (Middle row) Mr. Quintas shows the group the ingredients for the recipe that includes kidney beans, which contain a lot of beneficial fiber. (Bottom row) Mr. Quintas holds up a packet of taco mix and ground turkey which he uses in the recipe.