Continuous path to better health
Joni Tumbleson
Dec, 2021
Physicians:
One of the main risk factors for many health conditions is family history. For 65-year-old Joni Tumbleson, having diabetes was “just part of being in her family.” Both her grandparents and parents were living with diabetes, so when Joni was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at age 35, it came as no surprise.
“I have been managing my diabetes for almost half my life and I thought I knew what I was doing,” said Joni.
However, after an initial appointment with the presurgery planning team at Spectrum Health Lakeland prior to her cataract surgery, Joni learned some shocking news.
“My A1C levels were at 9% which is the highest they’ve ever been,” said Joni. “I hadn’t been feeling well for some time, but I just thought it was part of having diabetes and I had to accept it.”
The presurgery planning team referred Joni to registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist, Nicole Morrissey, RD, CDCES. After reviewing Joni’s numbers and discussing the challenges she was having with accurately measuring her blood glucose and administering insulin, Nicole recommended Joni try a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).
“A CGM system inserts a small sensor wire just beneath the skin that continuously monitors glucose levels and automatically sends data to a smartphone or other device,” said Nicole. “The technology is truly a game changer in diabetes care and allows patients to capture their blood glucose levels in real time and, in many cases, eliminates the need for fingerstick readings.”
“This technology is phenomenal—I had no idea it even existed,” said Joni.
With the help of Nicole, Joni learned tips for eating healthy and how to accurately calculate carbohydrates and nutrition information. Pharmacist, Holly MacEwen, RPh, CDCES, CPT, educated Joni on proper medication selection, management, and dose timing.
“Both Nicole and Holly were very encouraging and kind-hearted,” said Joni. “I never felt like I was being judged for doing something wrong. Instead, they were focused on educating me on what I could do better to improve my health.”
While her journey with diabetes is ongoing, since meeting with the diabetes and nutrition care team at Spectrum Health Lakeland, Joni has lost weight and her A1C levels are now below 6%. With the help of her CGM she has a more accurate picture of her glucose levels and can receive alerts if they go too high or low and make the necessary adjustments.
“I feel so much better now,” said Joni. “Losing weight has improved my mobility. I’m able to walk longer distance without needing a walker and can stand to sing at church again.”
Joni continues to meet regularly with primary care provider, John Howard, MD, to monitor her diabetes and overall health. She also knows if she has questions or needs additional assistance, Nicole and Holly are just a phone call away.
“Nicole and Holly changed my life,” said Joni. “The technology for managing diabetes has come such a long way. I would encourage anyone diagnosed with the disease to meet with the diabetes and nutrition care team and ensure you are on the right track to living your healthiest life.”
The diabetes and nutrition care team at Spectrum Health Lakeland includes dietitians, nurses, pharmacists (RPh), and certified diabetes care and education specialists (CDCE). The team also provides diabetes education which includes a variety of classes, support groups, and resources specific your needs. To learn more, call 269.556.2868 or click here.