How I Helped One Man Turn His Life Around

A Gentle Nudge

Terry Adams, 69, has more energy and feels better than he has in a long time. "He's found the fountain of youth," says his wife Helene. His type 2 diabetes diagnosis provided the incentive to help this Ames, Iowa man turn his health around.

Terry's journey started at a routine physical in October 2001. His doctor told him he had type 2 diabetes. His fasting blood glucose was 160 and his A1C was 6.9. He could either control his diabetes, his doctor said, or watch it get worse as the disease progressed unchecked. Terry's doctor immediately referred him to a diabetes center for nutrition and diabetes counseling.

His doctor's stern warning was followed by a gentle, yet firm nudge from Helene. "If you don't take care of yourself, you could lose your eyesight," said his wife of 41 years. "I'll take care of you whatever happens, but I'd hate to see you not be able to enjoy things you love, such as reading and playing music." Terry decided to take care of his diabetes and signed on for diabetes counseling.