Meet Kim H., member of the State of Montana health plan and CareHere Health Hero!
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| Before |
Goal: To be healthy, to have
control of my Type 2 Diabetes, to lose significant weight and become healthier.
Results: I
have significantly dropped my A1C from 12.4 to 5.9 in nine months! I exercise
for at least 30 minutes each day with walking, swimming or strength training. I
have lost over 26 pounds since my diagnosis and almost 60 pounds from my
heaviest weight. I had to get a whole new wardrobe because I have lost so many
dress sizes!
How did you get
started and what motivated you?
I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in October, 2014. My
husband is a state employee, and they had just opened the CareHere Clinic in Missoula
for state employees and their spouses. I had gone in for a routine physical and
blood work, so receiving such a significant diagnosis was devastating. I had other
relatives with this diagnosis, so it also was not a surprise. I made the
decision that day to do whatever it would take to be the “best” patient I could
be and follow the recommendations of my treatment team. The first thing I did
was go to a book store and purchase a book about Type 2 Diabetes. I began
exercising, eating less of the unhealthy foods and more vegetables and fruits, counting
calories and carbohydrates and testing my blood sugar three times a day, in
order to learn how my body responded to food.
 |
| After |
What do you want
others to know that may have the same issue?
At my heaviest weight, I did not believe I could ever lose
weight in any kind of meaningful way. In a sense, the diagnosis was a “wake up
call” and likely saved my life. I still struggle with the concept of being a
“Healthy Hero,” but know that I have been an inspiration to some of the people
who have known me in the past. I believe my treatment team, especially my
dietitian, has provided me a framework for moving forward and adopting a healthier
lifestyle. I also let my family, friends and acquaintances know why I was
losing weight and looking healthier. This has helped me to be more accountable
for continuing with my journey to better health.
What’s next for
you?
I plan to continue following the exercise, diet and lifestyle
changes that have worked for me and hope to lose more weight and be healthier
in the coming years. I am committed to making these changes a permanent part of
me.
