Evelyn is the matriarch of a large family that likes to gather their tribe for special occasions. Together with her husband, they have a combined six children, 16 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren whom they adore. Evelyn is a survivor if there ever was one. After attempting to remove a mass on her kidney and failing twice due to cardiac arrest as a result of the anesthesia, the doctors stopped. She has also survived three heart attacks and cancer twice, without treatment. This is her story.
When did you find out you had diabetes?
In 2012, I found out I had diabetes when I had my first heart attack.
Can you tell us about your diagnosis?
When I found out I had Type 2 diabetes, I was a little bit surprised, but then again, I really wasn’t because I knew it ran in the family. Checking my sugar levels was an adjustment because I don’t like needles and I had to stick myself, but I got adjusted to that.
What changes have you made since you’ve been diagnosed?
At first I did little things. I watched some of what I was eating. Exercise was here and there during the time I was working. It changed after 2016, when I had the third heart attack.
I had the doctor say, “Look, get this in control. You also have to lose some weight, because I don’t want to have to keep looking out for you in the hospital. If you don’t do something about your health, you’re going to die.” And that was it.
I made changes in what I ate. I went to cardiac rehab to exercise and do activities there. I had signed up for that again a month before the coronavirus started. Right now I’m trying different things.
I’m currently trying intermittent fasting. I did mention the intermittent fasting to one of the coaches because she sent me a link to some menus.
How has Livongo helped?
I had problems with my sugar level at night. One time it was dropping and they sent me a text, and they told me what to do to get my blood sugar up. Then, when it would be high, they’d tell me what to do, like watching the carbs and drinking more water.
I know that if my blood sugar is off by just the slightest bit, I’m going to get a call from one of the coaches and I like that. And if I check the box in the meter that says I’m not feeling well, they’ll ask if I need recommendations. It makes a difference. It makes a big difference.
Livongo helped especially when I was having panic attacks. In February, I went through 2 weeks of really bad panic attacks and my sugar was really high. It was helpful that they were getting me through it.
Livongo is the first company that I’ve dealt with since having diabetes that I really like. I didn’t care for the other ones because there wasn’t anybody that you could ask questions of, or getting my supplies wasn’t consistent. I really like Livongo and I love the coaches.
What inspired you to start using Livongo?
I first learned about Livongo through my husband’s insurance.
How would you describe Livongo to someone who’s never heard of it?
It’s a reliable company with great coaches. You got a great support system. You don’t have to try to figure out everything on your own.
I have suggested to a couple of other people to check into Livongo. I tell them about how the coaches would be online, even late at night.
I don’t have any suggestions on improving Livongo because I think it’s great the way it is now.
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