The power of nutrition

Jacci Cook was diagnosed as prediabetic more than a decade ago. It wasn't a surprise. Her mother succumbed to diabetes, and her grandmother lost a leg to the disease.

"I thought I was doomed," Cook said.

Over the years, she tried everything to lose weight and lower her A1C, but nothing worked.

In 2024, she enrolled in the University of Delaware's Prevent T2 Diabetes Prevention Program, managed by UD Nutrition Clinic Director Donna Paulhamus, but was skeptical after trying a similar program before.

"UD's focus was completely different," Cook said. "I didn't feel overwhelmed, and it showed me that I wasn't alone. Our coach shared personal experiences and held us accountable, and UD students supported us, celebrating little wins along the way."

Talia Spitelle, a graduate student assistant in the clinic, pursuing her master's in human nutrition, was among Cook's cheerleaders.

"Jacci used what she learned in that program and blew it out of the water, and seeing her progress has been so rewarding," Spitelle said.

Cook found herself looking forward to the weekly meetings.

"I didn't have encouragement at home," she said. "UD's program held me accountable, showed me I wasn't alone and helped me celebrate the little wins along the way."

Cook lost 32 pounds and lowered her A1C below prediabetic levels.

"This program saved my life," Cook said.