Meet Kim H.

Meet Kim H., member of the State of Montana health plan and CareHere Health Hero!

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.