The Diabetes Empowerment Education Program, also known as DEEP™, is an education curriculum designed to help people with pre-diabetes, diabetes, relatives and caregivers gain a better understanding of diabetes self-care. Classes last a total of eight weeks, providing participants with eight unique learning modules. These classes are offered throughout Marion County for free. The goals of the DEEP curriculum include:

• Improving and maintaining the quality of life of persons with pre-diabetes and existing diabetes

• Preventing complications and incapacities • Improving eating habits and maintaining adequate nutrition

• Increasing physical activity

• Developing self-care skills

• Improving the relationship between patients and health care providers

• Utilizing available resources

The Diabetes Consortium is comprised of the following partners Elder Options, Heart of Florida Health Care, AdventHealth, Department of Health, UF IFAS, and One Health Center. The Consortium partners with Elder Options to train facilitators to teach the Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP). The Diabetes Consortium meets regularly to ensure free diabetes educations are available in multiple parts of Marion County as well as to share services provided for pre-diabetes or to individuals with diabetes.