Today, we share the story of MaryAnne. She’s a Senior Lead Admin at a large food, snack, and beverage corporation, where she’s worked for more than 30 years. She has three grown children and two grandkids. She loves to camp, read, and play with her two little dogs, whom she refers to as “her babies.” Diabetes was familiar to her long before being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes herself, since her oldest son has been living with Type 1 diabetes since he was 4.
Livongo: Tell us about your diagnosis and early days with diabetes and hypertension.
MaryAnne: I don’t remember the exact date, but it must have been 6-7 years ago. It was a process: I would do a fingerstick with my son’s meter, and I started seeing my blood glucose numbers go up.
I also had lots of other things going on at once. I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure: I was experiencing fluid retention and I couldn’t breathe when I walked. My blood pressure was high. When my primary care physician ordered an A1c test, the result came back around 9.3%. At that point, I started taking Metformin, but I don’t think I was ever well controlled until I had bariatric surgery in April 2017.
Livongo: What is the hardest thing about living with diabetes?
MaryAnne: Since my surgery, I often need to wake up at night to eat and not go too low. Low blood glucose wakes me up: I feel very hot, my hands get super-tingly, and I know I have to get up and eat. That is definitely the hardest thing about living with diabetes. I would love to sleep through the night.
Livongo: Can you share your experience with the Livongo program?
MaryAnne: Through the experience with my son, I knew how expensive diabetes management could be. So when I received the email from my employer about free test strips, free access to coaching when I needed it, etc., I got it. I signed up for Livongo in early 2017.
I love using the app — showing it to my doctor, having both my blood glucose and blood pressure readings all in one place. It’s great that I don’t have to log or remember anything! And obviously, it’s very helpful getting contacted in the middle of the night if I am low.
I have told co-workers who have had diabetes for some time, as well as newly diagnosed people with diabetes, about Livongo. It’s great to have a free resource like this and know that you have people that will help you if you need it.
Livongo: How is life today?
MaryAnne: After my bariatric surgery, I lost 193 pounds. Today I weigh 140 pounds, my most recent A1c was 5.1%, and my blood pressure is on the low part of the normal range.
I am feeling better. I can do more stuff. A couple of months ago, I was running around, chasing my grandson. Before, I would have not been able to do that. Today I have the tools I need to be able to track everything and make sure I am where I am supposed to be.
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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