Natalie H. learned about Grace through her neighbor Maggie, who used to be a volunteer. She and Maggie were talking one day in their driveways and she shared that she didn’t have insurance. Maggie immediately referred her to Grace. Natalie called Grace and registered to become a patient.
Upon approval, Michelle Cornell was scheduled as her Primary Care Provider. Natalie says, “I didn’t expect to hear what I heard from Michelle.” Her blood sugar was over 500 and her A1cs, a vital blood test for diabetics that measures average blood sugar levels, was 11.5. Non-diabetic A1c levels are 6 and lower. Natalie’s A1c had increased gradually so she didn’t realize she was experiencing symptoms of unmanaged diabetes like fatigue, increased thirst, and blurred vision.
Michelle referred Natalie to Grace’s Health and Wellness Educator, Bonnie. She resisted at first, but new she needed to make a change. Bonnie spoke with her about her lifestyle habits and how to make healthier eating choices. At first, she didn’t believe she could do it, but Bonnie’s encouragement and the accountability she received from the staff at Grace helped her make the changes.
Over the next 5 months and 3 visits with Bonnie, Natalie lost 20 pounds, lowered her blood sugar, and reduced her A1c to 6! Now, Natalie wants to pass along her own nutrition to her family and her community. Her son, mom, and niece have all joined in her journey.
She even shared her nutrition regimen with a Deacon at church who decided to make his own lifestyle changes and has lost 75 pounds because of Natalie’s encouragement. Natalie says, “I can’t eat unhealthy anymore. Healthy eating has become a habit.” Natalie is looking forward to maintaining her health and sharing what she has learned with even more people.
