In response to an increase in diagnosis of diabetes among adults, Supervalu said it is expanding its “Eating Healthy with Diabetes” initiative beyond its original Chicagoland-based Jewel-Osco Pharmacies to now include in-store pharmacies in major markets in 18 additional states.

“By teaching our patients and store customers how to make wise food and pharmacy choices, we believe our pharmacists can help patients with diabetes live longer and experience a better quality of life,” said Chris Dimos, President of the Franklin Park, Ill.-based Supervalu Pharmacies.

Through November, select Supervalu Pharmacies will offer free "Eating Healthy with Diabetes" educational programming. Each two-hour session will provide guidance on setting health goals and feature a 90-minute tour throughout supermarket food aisles that teach participants how to read food labels, understand carbohydrates and make healthier food choices.

The walking store tours, led by registered dieticians, are part of a comprehensive, informational program on diabetes health. Tour participants will also learn about other diabetes care and educational services available at Supervalu Pharmacies, including group classes and individual services that can help consumers avoid hypoglycemia, ease fears of injecting insulin, and provide instruction on how to monitor blood glucose levels.

“Supervalu Pharmacies is engaged in a long-term commitment to those who are faced with managing diabetes,” said Dimos. "Because many of the health conditions our pharmacists address on a daily basis can be controlled, or in some cases reversed, with a few simple dietary changes, our pharmacies are committed to a more holistic approach to pharmacy."

The free healthy eating store tours will be offered in the following states/Supervalu banners: California-Albertsons Sav-on; Connecticut-Shaw’s Osco; Idaho-Albertsons Sav-on; Illinois-Jewel-Osco; Indiana-Jewel-Osco; Maine-Shaw’s Osco; Maryland-Shoppers; Massachusetts-Shaw’s Osco; Minnesota-Cub Pharmacy; Nevada-Albertsons Sav-on; New Hampshire-Shaw’s Osco; New Jersey-Acme Sav-on; Pennsylvania-Acme Sav-on; Utah-Albertsons Sav-on; Vermont-Shaw’s Osco; Virginia-Shoppers; Washington-Albertsons Sav-on; and Wisconsin-Cub Pharmacy.