Dahjn's Journey to Managing Diabetes
Q: Can you introduce yourself and tell us why you joined the program?
Dahjn: My name is Dahjn, and I consider myself a displaced New Yorker. I joined the program because of a phone call that I almost ignored. I thought it was spam. I was really cold at first with the intake coordinator, but something in the back of my head told me to just listen. I’m open-minded and adaptable, so I gave it a chance. It wasn’t the incentive that convinced me; it was the idea that people cared about helping manage chronic conditions like diabetes.
Q: What was it like being diagnosed with diabetes?
Dahjn: I was diagnosed at almost 50, and it was brand new to me. No one in my family had diabetes, and I didn’t have any warning. It was still very new territory. I had been experiencing symptoms, like extreme thirst and frequent urination, but I thought it was something else. When I went to the ER, the doctor said, “You have a blood sugar of 570.” I was shocked. I didn’t expect it at all.
Q: What was the first year like after your diagnosis?
Dahjn: It was devastating. I had to figure out what to eat, when to eat, and what medications to take. At first, I didn’t want to talk to anyone because I was so upset. But I took it like a champ because I knew I had to do something. There were times when I didn’t want to deal with anyone, but I pushed through.
Q: How did joining this program help?
Dahjn: At first, I wasn’t sure. But when I started watching the videos and getting feedback, I enjoyed it. The feedback encouraged me to keep going. The team didn’t judge me or criticize me; they listened and gave me helpful advice. It was educational and motivating. It gave me structure, which is important because I also have ADHD, and remembering to take my meds can be a challenge.
Q: What changes did you make to your routine?
Dahjn: I started taking my meds every night around 8 or 9 o’clock. It became a routine. The program also helped me understand my medications better. A pharmacist reviewed my meds and told me that my doses were too low. That gave me the confidence to talk to my doctor and get adjustments.
Q: What was your experience with the care team?
Dahjn: They’ve been amazing. I could talk to them about anything, not just diabetes. For example, I talked about my grandson’s football injury and how stressed I was. They listened and gave me advice. They’re so supportive and make you feel heard. They treat you as a whole person, not just a number or a condition. That’s priceless.
Q: How has your health improved?
Dahjn: My blood sugar levels are now around 120, and my A1C is below 7. When I was first diagnosed, my A1C was so high they couldn’t even measure it. I’ve gotten it as low as 5.3 before. I’m really proud of that.
Q: What would you say to someone unsure about joining a program like this?
Dahjn: Take the risk. What do you have to lose? It won’t hurt you, and it might just change your life. Don’t be afraid to try something new and learn. You’ll be surprised by the impact it can have.
Q: Any final thoughts?
Dahjn: I’m so glad I listened to that call. This program gave me my life back. I feel supported, heard, and empowered. That’s something you can’t put a price on.
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