A diabetes identification and management program developed by the Area Agency on Aging of Tarrant County with United Way funding has earned first place honors and a $2,500 prize in national competition.
 
The Area Agency on Aging accepted the top honor July 21 at the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging annual conference in Minneapolis. The program, which began in August 2006, was judged the best among all of the programs that won Aging Innovations Awards at the conference.

The diabetes program identifies homebound seniors who are diabetic or at-risk for diabetes. The older adults receive information and services to delay diabetes or enable them to manage it themselves. The program is administered by Meals On Wheels of Tarrant County, with dietitian Sherry Simon as lead project manager.

During the first two years of the program, 5,388 Meals On Wheels clients were screened for diabetes. Of those, 1,574 had diabetes and 1,171 were at risk for diabetes.

Students from Texas Christian University and the University of North Texas Health Science Center assist with the program.