More than 37 million Americans live with diabetes. Managing and preventing complications can be a struggle for many people. The Under 8 Program, based out of Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - St. Joseph Campus, is an initiative designed to reduce blood sugar levels, referred to as the Hgb A1c values, to under 8.0 in high-risk African American patients with diabetes.
 
Over the course of a 12-week period, Under 8 aims to help reduce the average A1c from 0.5-1.0% through dietary and lifestyle changes. Under 8 serves as a diabetes support group where participants receive screenings, healthy food and education from providers and guest speakers.
 
Using a team-based care model to promote healthy behavior and improved diabetes care and outcomes, Under 8 provides education on disease management, medication and adherence, the importance of glucose testing, smoking cessation, disease complications, exercise strategies, diet management and healthy cooking techniques. 
 
Offering diabetic friendly prepared meals from Ascension Wisconsin’s community partner, UpStart Kitchen, as well as fresh produce from the Ascension Ebenezer Food Pantry at every meeting session, Under 8 provides participants with the tools and resources they need to prepare and eat healthy foods to effectively manage their eating habits.
 
"From the day I started Under 8, I felt love,” said Shelly, Under 8 Program participant. “I felt the support. The mental and emotional support from the group gave me strength, and I knew I was going to be ok."
 
In 2023, participants saw an average reduction of 0.85% in their A1C by the end of the program.
 
This year, the Under 8 Program is expanding its outreach into the community by offering classes at the Ascension Angel of Hope Clinic which serves a primarily Hispanic population.