Today, we are featuring Greg. We heard from him on Twitter:
Greg has worked for 21 years for a large bank, where he is now a Branch Manager in St. Louis, Missouri. He's a proud husband, father of an 11-year-old daughter, and a HUGE Chelsea fan, as you can tell from his Twitter handle, @chelseafanSTL. This is his story.
Livongo: When were you diagnosed? What crossed your mind when you were told about it?
Greg: Back in 2017, I got an A1c of 8%, yet I ignored my doctor. I thought diabetes would go away on its own. Fast-forward to early 2019. I had gained weight. I felt miserable: My diet was terrible, I was tired all the time, constantly out of breath, snoring a lot. When I went back to the doctor, he told me my A1c had climbed to 9.1%. It was a big aha moment!
Livongo: When you first heard of the Livongo program, what appealed to you about it?
Greg: A coworker with diabetes told me our bank covered Livongo for Diabetes. The fact that it was free to me was awesome! I got my glucose meter and testing supplies, and eventually downloaded the app. I realized I could share my results with my doctor, share my charts, making the doctor’s visits easier. Today, I check my blood glucose 4-5 times per day, and I share my readings with my wife: I have my account set up so that anytime readings are below 60 or above 300, she gets notified. Fortunately, it hasn’t gone off.
Livongo: How would you describe the Livongo program to someone who hasn’t heard of it before?
Greg: I like the coaches and the nutrition tips: They are amazing! I like how easy the program is, and how it helps me. I have unlimited test strips: If I mess one up, I don’t have to worry about the cost. Six months later, I have dropped my A1c from 9.1% to 5.9%, I lost 50 pounds. I look at pictures of myself, and it’s night and day. Also, the customer service is phenomenal! I lost my lancing device, and within 2 days they had sent me a new lancing device.
Thanks to Livongo, I didn’t have to stop living my life, I just had to make changes. I was worried diabetes would change my life: It’s actually improved a lot. Livongo is a game changer!
Livongo: What drives you crazy about living with diabetes?
Greg: Honestly, I sometimes get a little jealous. For example, the other day my coworker was eating a pizza and drinking a soda at lunch. Although once in a while, I can have a slice of pizza, I used to eat that every day. Today, I think of what that meal would do to my body. I know I would feel terrible. I know how my body would react to it, what would happen. If I had an A1c of 9%, I’d be exhausted and wanting to sleep.
Livongo: Where do you see your life going from here?
Greg: I have a chronic condition. It doesn’t mean it’s going to stop my life. I am going to watch my daughter go to college, get married. I want to continue my career.
The testimonials, statements, and opinions presented are applicable to the individuals depicted or quoted. Each member’s exact results and experience will be unique and individual to each member. The testimonials are voluntarily provided and are not paid.
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