Diabetes Awareness Month: Kelby's Story

“Since COVID started, all I could look forward to was eating. When I went and got my bloodwork done, it was up to a 7.1 A1C. I panicked,” Kelby Noland shares. “The doctor gave me advice and I signed up for diabetes classes at the Fitness Center.”

November is American Diabetes Month, and Kelby’s story is one of many. According to the American Diabetes Association, 34.2 million American (1 in 10) are living with diabetes and 40% of people who have died from COVID-19 were also living with diabetes. 

The good news? Diabetes is manageable with education, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication. “The good advice, influence and support the classes gave were awesome. I learned so much about nutrition and what to do for your meals – everything they taught was so helpful to somebody like me. I guess I’m younger than most of the people up there, but I actually hadn’t heard of most of the stuff I’d learned. We went over food groups and portions and medications and side effects and problems from diabetes,” Kelby says. “I went every week and learned everything I could. When I went back to the doctor, I’d brought my A1C down to 5.4. I thank God every day that he helped me do what I did to make it to where I’m at now.”

“As part of Kelby’s diabetes education, we also worked with him on tobacco cessation, too,” shared Lauren Teague, MHS, RD, LDN, CDE. “Tobacco use can make diabetes and related health conditions worse.” Kelby continues, “She introduced me to 1-800-QUIT-NOW. They provided free quitting resources, like the nicotine gum I used. Now I haven’t had a dip of snuff since July.” 

“I’m really grateful to the doctors here and everything that’s helped me – they gave me good advice and I have been with them for years now, the people here in Haywood County. They’ve really helped with looking after me and supporting me through everything,” shares Kelby.

At Haywood Regional Medical Center, our Diabetes and Nutrition Education Department is part of the American Diabetes Association certified program.  As part of this program, we offer both group classes and individual appointments for diabetes as well as other nutrition-related issues.  Please contact us at 828-452-8092 to learn more about what we can offer. 

For more information on diabetes and Diabetes Awareness Month, click here.