Kelly has been living with type 1 diabetes for over four decades. Despite her best efforts, she struggled to keep her A1C levels below seven and had also gained weight over time. In 2019, Kelly read the Mastering Diabetes book, attempting to change her lifestyle independently but faced challenges.
However, nine months ago, she decided to take a more serious approach, seeking help and guidance to transform her health. This blog post chronicles Kelly's inspiring journey to better health through the Mastering Diabetes program, embracing a plant-based lifestyle, and the positive impact it had on her diabetes management.
Finding a Sustainable Solution
Recognizing the need for assistance, Kelly turned to the Mastering Diabetes coaching program, where she found support, guidance, and accountability. With type 1 diabetes, Kelly understood the value of having a coach and a peer group who understood her unique challenges. Surrounding herself with like-minded individuals proved to be a pivotal factor in her success.
Embracing a Plant-Based Lifestyle
One of the core principles of the Mastering Diabetes program is adopting a whole-food, plant-based diet. Kelly decided to give it a serious try and noticed profound changes in her health. Eating plant-based not only helped her manage her blood glucose levels more effectively but also contributed to a remarkable 60-pound weight loss. This lifestyle shift was accompanied by a significant improvement in Kelly's A1C levels, dropping from 7.4 to a remarkable 5.7.
Thriving in Physical Activities
As Kelly's health improved, she found herself drawn to more physical activities. Walking became a regular routine, and she even participated in five-kilometer walks with her friends from work. Engaging in sports like pickleball, which she never thought she would try, brought newfound joy and excitement to her life. Physical activity became an integral part of her journey toward optimal health.
Breaking Free from Medications
The positive effects of Kelly's plant-based journey extended beyond her A1C levels and weight. With her health steadily improving, she successfully eliminated her cholesterol and blood pressure medications. Kelly's lipid profile showed significant progress, with her LDL at 80, HDL at 41, and triglycerides at 103, painting a picture of enhanced cardiovascular health.
Navigating Insulin Pump Technology
Throughout her health journey, Kelly remained open to exploring different diabetes technologies. Mastering Diabetes encouraged her to try different insulin pumps and sensors, leading her to discover a preference for the Dexcom continuous glucose monitor. After experimenting with different pump options, Kelly decided to transition from Medtronic to Tandem, drawn by Tandem's Control-IQ's ability to provide better control compared to Medtronic's auto mode.
The Power of Support and Accountability
Kelly's success story highlights the value of support and accountability in achieving health goals. Having a type 1 diabetes coach and a group of peers who understood her experiences made a significant difference. Kelly appreciated the encouragement and camaraderie within the group, finding motivation in knowing she was not alone on her journey to better health.
Kelly at COC's transformative journey with Mastering Diabetes demonstrates the profound impact of embracing a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle and receiving tailored coaching support. Through dedication and openness to trying new technologies, Kelly not only achieved remarkable improvements in her A1C levels, weight, and lipid profile but also discovered a renewed passion for physical activities.
Her story serves as an inspiration to others with type 1 diabetes, emphasizing the importance of seeking support, making dietary changes, and staying open to exploring advancements in diabetes management. With the Mastering Diabetes program as her guiding light, Kelly's triumphant path toward optimal health reminds us all of the potential for transformation and a vibrant, fulfilling life with type 1 diabetes.