Connie Johnston is one of many who have experienced lifestyle transformation through Logan Health’s Diabetes Prevention Program. In doing so, she proved to herself and others that with structured guidance, group support and some out-of-the-box thinking, anyone can achieve their health goals.
Connie made the decision to join the Diabetes Prevention Program after an eye-opening visit with her primary care provider. At the appointment, they discussed how losing weight, reducing Connie’s cholesterol, and doubling her blood pressure medication would soon be necessary to maintain her overall health. “I was just having more startling health concerns than I’d had in the past,” Connie said, “I thought, ‘I’ve got to do something about this.’”
The Diabetes Prevention Program is a 12-month program designed for individuals who are overweight or have conditions like prediabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The program consists of science-based education and lifestyle training that helps participants lose weight and reduce their risk of diabetes and heart disease. To encourage healthy fitness habits, participants also receive a 6-month membership to the Logan Health Medical Fitness Center. Through the course, Connie hoped to lose weight, reduce her cholesterol and keep her blood pressure medication at the same dose.
Led by dietitians and certified diabetes care and education specialists, the classes covered a variety of topics including nutrition, physical activity, healthy coping skills and problem-solving. Connie enjoyed that the educator gave students the opportunity to share what they had learned each week. “I picked up some really good tips from other people and learned day-to-day things they’d experienced and discovered. I really liked that,” Connie said.
She brought her own solutions to the group as well. As someone who avoids processed food and cooks from scratch, she found that calculating calories with each meal was too labor intensive. Her solution was to create her very own cookbook with listed calorie counts and recipes tailored to her nutrition goals. Creative solutions such as this were brought by members every week, with each doing their part to help and inspire their classmates.
This peer-to-peer support was one of the most helpful aspects of the classes and encouraged Connie as she attended the year-long program. “There’s a lot to be said when you know you’re not alone,” she said. Connie also emphasized that each week was critical and formative in shaping another part of her life. She likened it to cutting facets on a diamond. “I began the class as a diamond in the rough, determined and committed to improve my health and lose weight. The instructor taught me how to cut facets — lifestyle changes — throughout the year and it has changed my life. I see myself as a unique, brilliantly cut, multi-faceted diamond!”
With each mark of progress, Connie’s health concerns diminished greatly. She lost around 27 pounds and her cholesterol decreased. Best of all, instead of doubling her current blood pressure medication, her primary care provider discussed lowering her daily dose.
These amazing outcomes were a direct result of Connie’s dedication to the program and her consistency in applying the knowledge to everyday decisions. The Diabetes Prevention Program provided her a framework and support system that empowered her to take action for her health. As a result, through a year of learning and practice, she had transformed her life.
To those considering participating in the program, her advice is simply to show up and start the journey. “Show up for every meeting, for yourself and for all those other people who are relying on you for support. Show up for every meeting so you can learn how to make lifestyle changes. And don’t compare yourself with anyone else. We are all unique and our journey is going to be just as unique.”