Today, we get a chance to meet Albert. Married, 54, and with three grown kids, he has worked at Honda for 34 years. When we asked him what he does in his downtime, he didn’t blink before he said, “There’s no such thing.” He spends his spare time as a volunteer fire chief and painting the football field for his local high school. This is his story.
Livongo: When were you diagnosed? What crossed your mind when you were told about it?
Albert: It was more than 4 years ago. I went to the doctor for a regular checkup. I remember telling her I thought I had an overactive bladder … As it turned out, I had Type 2 diabetes. My A1c was 9% back then, and I used to weigh 325 pounds. At first, I thought it was time to get my life in order, but the first few years with diabetes I wasn’t taking the best care of myself: My A1c got to be as high as 10% at one point. Then the doctor referred me to a specialist. Eventually, in early 2019, I learned about the Livongo for Diabetes program that Honda was offering.
Livongo: Tell us about your experience with the Livongo for Diabetes program.
Albert: I think it’s a great program. My most recent A1c was 5.5%. I still weigh 230 pounds, so I have more weight to lose, but I have lost 95 pounds so far. I am seeing a visible improvement, and I feel good about myself: I am much better off without that extra weight.
When I check every morning, I look at my glucose number. I don’t like to see a high number, but if it is high, I ask myself what I ate, and I learn from that. Livongo also helps me learn about the foods that don’t impact my glucose levels as much.
I really like the messages I get if I have a low or a high blood glucose. One time, I was in the low 60s, and I got a text message asking if I needed help. I said I was okay, but it was reassuring that somebody was watching. In my work with the fire department, I have picked up people with a blood glucose in the 20s and 30s, and they are clinging to life. So I know how important it is to have somebody there if I need support.
For me, the Livongo program is like a challenge: I still have the goal to lose more weight, and I have to credit your program for keeping me on my toes. A few months after I joined, I told a colleague with diabetes about the program and he’s now on it, too.
Livongo: What advice do you have for others who are living with diabetes?
Albert: Diabetes is a battle that can be beaten. It’s a challenge, but you have to put your mind and heart to it.
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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