There are many ways to manage diabetes, but with improved drugs and technology, it is becoming more feasible every day.
We sat down with Wes Moran, who lives in Seattle and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes two years ago, discussing the steps we used to lower A1C from over 10% to less than 7%.
What motivates you to start working towards a lower A1c?
Moran, who was completely new to diabetes, initially didn’t realize that it was possible to even have a low A1C. However, after I got my CGM, things changed. She says she knew that changes were possible when she began to use diabetes technology to manage her blood sugar levels.
(Happy Bob is a motivational app that connects to real-time Dexcom data.)
What specific changes have you made to your diet, exercise, or medication regimen?
Moran started slowly at first. She says,
The change is overwhelming. She continues,
Moran wholeheartedly adopted the use of technology to help her manage her diabetes. She says,
(Sugarmate is a diabetes tracking app that helps you analyze DEXCOM CGM data.)
What were the biggest challenges you faced while trying to lower your A1C?
Like many others living with diabetes, Moran deals with depression. In fact, people with diabetes are two to three times more likely to develop depression than people without diabetes, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Only 25-50% of people with diabetes and depression are diagnosed and treated effectively.
Moran says,
External pressure and diabetic stigma did not help either. She says,
She said she eventually overcome these challenges.
Part of Wes Moran’s decorative CGM patch.
Have you noticed changes in health and happiness since lowering your A1C?
Moran says,
Has your overall outlook on your daily life and life changed?
Moran wants everyone to know that having diabetes doesn’t mean your life is over.
She says,
What did you learn about diabetes management that you wish you had known earlier?
Moran wants everyone to know that maintaining a lower A1C doesn’t mean that your life is boring or that you will never be able to enjoy your favorite food again.
She says,
What advice would you give to others who have difficulty lowering A1C?
Moran says everyone needs the community and needs the help of others to succeed.
She says,
She continues,
Final Thoughts
Wes Moran’s story highlights the power of persistence, technology and community support in diabetes management. With the right tools, support systems and mindset, she reminds us that living with diabetes can be vibrant, fulfilling and full of possibilities.
Are you willing to lower A1c? read How to Lower A1C: A Complete Guide and A way to lower A1C naturally.
