A Success Story After Being Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes

Do you remember when you got the diagnosis? Whether it was you or someone you care for, when you hear the word Diabetes you know it will affect many factors in life.

When Brooks Shuster was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, he had an A1C of 12. This is the equivalent of an average blood sugar of 298 for the previous 90 days. Brooks and his mother, Barb Cravener, were shocked to find out that he was a type 2 diabetic. However, they began the journey of finding out what diabetes is and what they could do to treat the new diagnosis. Together they took control immediately. 

Brooks was ordered metformin to treat his diabetes pharmacologically, but they also started lifestyle changes. Brooks began walking and he has since won 2 gold medals for walking through the Special Olympics. He and his mother researched details to build a healthy diet as well.  At the time of diagnosis his A1C was 12 but his most recent A1C dropped to 6.1, which is the equivalent of an average blood sugar of 128 for the previous 90 days. 

Brooks and Barb are doing wonderful, and Brooks says he feels great!   Barb even informed me that Brooks’ physician may also take him off the medication he is on for his diabetes. If things continue in this upward swing, meaning Brooks keeps up with the lifestyle and diet changes, his diagnosis could be self-managed. 

Congratulations to Brooks Shuster for making the changes he needed to keep himself healthy! We are so grateful to Brooks and Barb for sharing a bit of their journey with our readers. Their story is evidence that diligent efforts can make a world of difference for outcomes and quality of life. If you need help understanding a new diagnosis of diabetes, please consider reaching out to asimon@MilestonePA.org.