Diabetes Patient Understands Her Illness Better

Willie Hales, 64, has changed her lifestyle habits dramatically since enrolling in the Matria Diabetes Management Program last year. Talking with a nurse has helped her to become more aware of what she needs to do to take better care of herself.

For instance, Willie increased her blood glucose testing on a regular basis and discovered in the process that her levels escalate during stressful times from an average of 140 to 170. “As a result of talking with the nurse, I learned ways that I could readjust my activities to maintain a lower stress level,” she says. “My nurse also taught me that I need to be around 100.”

Willie also became inspired to exercise and eat better. Fond of baking, she now uses Splenda sugar in her baked goods and even in her tea. “I started exercising and eating less sugar. I buy sugarless ice cream and cookies.”

Perhaps the most significant result of the Matria program for Willie is that she realizes the importance of making doctor visits and self-monitoring. “I’ve never been one to go to the doctor,” she says. “Usually, I have to be really sick before I go to a doctor. This program has helped me realize the importance of keeping up with my cholesterol and other things to do with diabetes because if I don’t, I could get kidney disease or have problems with my eyes or feet. I have really enjoyed talking with the nurses. They make a lot of helpful suggestions.”