As a retired physicist, Howard Hopkins of Granville knows that numbers matter.  For a short time, he tried to downplay the impact that a certain number – his blood sugar level – had on his life.  Then he realized that following the science to better blood sugar control would add up to a future with better health.

Howard first learned that he had abnormal blood sugar levels in 2006 during an especially difficult time.  He was on vacation in Florida with his family and suddenly became ill with a heart condition.  He was scheduled for triple heart bypass surgery and had routine pre-operative blood work completed.  “They told me that I had a condition known as ‘pre-diabetes,’” Howard said.  At the time, pre-diabetes seemed a minor concern compared to the impending bypass surgery, and Howard brushed the lesser issue aside.

Howard had known for many years that he was at increased risk for diabetes since several family members had been diagnosed in their later adult years.  “I had spoken a great deal with one relative about his diabetes, and I knew that I wanted nothing to do with it.  I was in denial,” he recalled. 
When Howard was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the fall of 2014, his family practice physician first prescribed Metformin®, an oral medication.  Howard experienced side effects with that prescription, and the physician changed the medication therapy to injections of insulin – fast-acting NovoLog® before meals and long-lasting Levemir® in the evening. 

Howard reported that he was feeling good, but the score of his A1c blood test (measurement of average blood glucose control over a 2- to 3-month period) was 7.3 percent – higher than the recommended score of less than 7 percent.  Although his A1c score was not excessively high, it was elevated enough that he was at increased risk for diabetes complications, such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, digestive problems, foot damage, kidney disease, blindness, and hearing loss.  Howard said, “I decided that it was time to get more serious about controlling my blood sugar.”

With his physician’s referral, Howard visited Registered Dietitian Annmarie Thacker, M.S., R.D., M.D., C.D.E., of LMH Community Case Management in May.  “Annmarie showed me how to count carbs and to recognize which foods are high in carbs,” Howard explained.  “The challenge for anyone with diabetes is to be aware of the amount of carbs you eat and then ensure that the amount of medication that you take is appropriate.  In my case, I take one unit of NovoLog insulin for every 15 grams of carbohydrates, so I’ve learned to group my meals into 15-carb portions.  That shows me very clearly how much insulin I need to take just before each meal.  It gets easier with time because your diet doesn’t really change that much from day to day.”

Howard’s physician also referred him to Licking Memorial Case Management’s four-session Diabetes Self-Management classes that include presentations by registered nurses, dietitians, and a pharmacist.  “I learned so much in those classes,” Howard said.  “One thing that surprised me was the direct effect that exercise has on blood sugar levels.  I now go to the LMH Wellness Center at C-TEC twice a week, and I also use an exercise bike at home for an hour, twice a week.”

In the first seven months after his type 2 diabetes diagnosis, Howard’s A1c scores ranged from 7.3 to 7.9 percent.  Now, he is hopeful that the diabetes education, consistent exercise and dietary control will add up to future A1c scores that are closer to his goal.  “I’m shooting for 7.0 percent,” he stated. 
The registered dietitians at LMH Community Case Management offer one-on-one nutritional counseling by appointment with a physician’s referral.  Diabetes Self-Management classes are offered each month throughout the year to provide information about all aspects of diabetes.  Most major insurance providers cover the cost of both services for patients with a physician’s referral.  Please call (220) 564-4915 for additional information.

The two board-certified physicians at Licking Memorial Endocrinology provide care for patients with glandular disorders, such as diabetes, metabolic disorders, thyroid disease, pituitary and adrenal abnormalities, menopause complications and osteoporosis.  I-Tsyr Shaw, M.D., and Sara J. Healy, M.D., are accepting new patients with a physician’s referral.  To make an appointment, please call Dr. Shaw at (220) 564-1740, or Dr. Healy at (220) 564-7950.