With the help of BEATDiabetes, Marie has been able to keep her A1C at the target of under 7 for the past year, minimizing her risk of long-term complications of diabetes.
We asked Marie a few questions about how she has been able to successfully manage her diabetes, what advice she has for others, and what she plans to do with the $1000.
How long have you had Type 2 diabetes?
About 4 years. I have been able to manage it with metformin along with diet and exercise.
What has been the biggest challenge for you in controlling your diabetes? The biggest challenge for me has been trying to figure out what to eat that won’t make my blood sugars go up - and having the willpower to avoid ice cream!
What changes did you make to improve your blood sugars? I try to stay very busy around the house. I am always moving around and walking. I also am careful to watch what I eat and how much I eat, and I check my blood sugars regularly.
How has the BEATDiabetes program helped you manage your diabetes?
The texts have given me helpful advice about what to eat. The program also responded and answered some questions I texted them about diabetic diets.
What motivates you to get and stay healthy? Diabetes and heart disease runs on both sides of my family, and some people have died at young ages. I want to take care of my health so I live long enough to see my 6 grandbabies grow-up, graduate from high school and college, get married, and have families of their own. I also want to avoid shots if possible.
What advice do you have for others trying to control their diabetes? The key is having willpower. Don’t eat what you are not supposed to.
What do you plan to do with the $1000? I haven’t decided entirely. I will probably use it to give my grandbabies a special Christmas, especially since it has been a difficult year because of the pandemic.
Congratulations to Marie for making healthy choices and successfully managing her diabetes!
Work hard to improve your blood sugars, and the next $1000 drawing winner could be YOU!