The Secret to Becoming Healthy Is Getting Started
Getting started is exactly what James “Jim” Klaes did! I began educating Jim and Armstrong Care Inc.’s staff in December of 2020. Jim and his team provided permission for us to share his story. Jim had recently been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and had an A1C of 9.1, which is equivalent to an average 3-month blood sugar of 214. A1C levels are an average of a person’s blood sugar within a three month period versus a glucometer, or fingerstick, which is an assessment of blood sugar at the very time of the test. For a frame of reference: a person without diabetes/prediabetes has an A1C below 5.7. When a person finds they have an A1C between 5.7 – 6.4, they are diagnosed with prediabetes. However, an A1C of 6.5 or higher (on two separate tests) indicates a person has diabetes. Higher A1C levels mean poorer blood sugar control. It also means a person has an increased risk of diabetes complications
In addition to being diagnosed with diabetes, Jim’s weight at the time of his diagnosis was 248 lbs. and he was a smoker. His health care and lifestyle were in need of changes due to the risk of diabetic complications. Jim and his staff immediately asked for education surrounding what diabetes is and what to do.
Our training sessions in December of 2020 together were over Zoom Video calls due to restrictions from Covid-19. Jim and his staff were very interested in understanding diabetes disease process and what steps they could take to get his blood sugars and A1C levels to the goals of Jim’s physician. I educated Jim and his staff on “Diabetes Management” and “Diabetic Diet.” We discussed the potential complications of diabetes and ways that Jim could make lifestyle changes to improve his health. Jim, his staff, and his Supervisor, Mr. Glenn Kilgore LPN, stated they were determined to make the changes for better health during trainings that I provided.
An update in April 2021 informed me that Jim’s A1C was down to 7.6, which is equivalent to an average 3-month blood sugar of 171. This reduction of his A1C will directly decrease the likelihood of diabetic complications, however because diabetes is a chronic disease complications may still occur. Lifestyle changes and keeping blood levels within physician goals is a great way to help slow progression.
In addition, Jim had stopped smoking, cold turkey! It is important to note that Jim had smoked upwards of 25 years. Jim also got his weight down to 219 lbs. by June 2021. I did get to talk with Jim, and he said he feels better and is going to keep up with his lifestyle changes. He is keeping his blood sugars in the range his physician discussed with him.
Congratulations Jim on meeting your goal! And, making the changes you needed to! Keep up the great work and healthy habits!
Jim’s story proves what a radical impact daily choices may have on our health. What small changes will you commit to? Small steps consistently made can boost your health over time.
