"I’m very fortunate with the team that I have; they’ve truly made a difference for me."
Helene, Diabetes Education Program
Managing Diabetes and Thriving in Life – Helene’s Story
Some of Helene’s favorite things to do are traveling and going to jazz festivals with her husband. She’s an Assessment Counselor at Memorial, and until recently, she was doing her best to manage her prediabetes with the help of her primary care physician, Dr. Rickey Chance.
One day, though, she knew something was off. Her vision was becoming increasingly blurry and her eyes were extremely dry. Dr. Chance had been monitoring her A1C levels for decades, but with this onset of symptoms and the increase in her A1C over time, Helene knew she was likely going to be diagnosed with diabetes.
Once she received her Type 2 diagnosis, Helene sought additional support and was referred to Memorial’s Diabetes Education Program Coordinator Falon Sisson, CFNP, who transformed her approach.
Finding Support
“Falon gave me some practical things to use that have really made a difference,” Helene explains. “She was just easy to talk to and had a great sense of humor and a lot of energy.” This connection with Falon was pivotal, helping Helene feel more in control and motivated to make positive lifestyle changes.
A Game-Changer: Continuous Glucose Monitoring
One of the most impactful changes in Helene’s journey has been her adoption of a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which provides real-time feedback on her blood sugar levels. “It makes you pay attention to the things that you eat and how they affect your blood sugar,” she shares. Helene’s husband, who was diagnosed with diabetes about 20 years ago, also started using a CGM.
This technology has become especially valuable as they travel and attend their favorite jazz festivals and concerts, ensuring they can enjoy their outings without compromising their health. “We go out to restaurants and look at our readings every five minutes on our phones to make sure we’re making the right choices to keep our numbers under control.”
Improvements in Quality of Life
The support of her medical team and her commitment to making lifestyle changes have had a positive impact on Helene’s quality of life. She notes, “I’ve lost about 8 pounds, I sleep better, and just feel better overall.” She’s grateful for her journey with the program, saying, “I’m very fortunate with the team that I have; they’ve truly made a difference for me.”
Advice for Others
Helene’s experience is a testament to the power of knowledgeable healthcare professionals and supportive tools like CGMs. For anyone on the fence about starting a diabetes management program, Helene’s advice is clear: the right support can make all the difference.
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