PATIENT STORIES WITH EVOLVE DIABETES
At Evolve Diabetes & Wellness, I believe that every patient interaction is a chance to change a life for the better. And while not every case reveals a major diagnosis, each visit has the possibility of being a game-changer for someone’s quality of life. It can be as simple as switching to a medication that doesn’t have negative side effects or giving them more insight to their food, disease & management— using education, engagement and empowerment, one thing, but one
thing is abundantly clear: We have the opportunity to truly impact our members’ lives with each and every encounter.
IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO REDISCOVER YOUR PASSION
An Evolve Diabetes patient had insulin-dependent type diabetes for over 20 years. After he experienced the loss of his beloved wife 2 years ago, he let his diabetes control go. He did not cook or own a stove. He was alone and he did not know where to start to help himself. Kristin Loyd worked with the patient via telehealth because he lived in a rural town far from Wichita. She met with him half way to help him acquire and set up a CGM. He lowered his AIC to 6.1, lowered his insulin doses by half and keep his blood sugars in normal range 98% percent of the time. He got active and his depression got better. Now, he has rediscovered his vitality as he has rekindled his love for working on racing cars, operates a busy car wash and walks daily.
Results: Helped depression, AIC from 7.5 to 6.2, Insulin doses 50% lower, building cars now.
DON'T STRUGGLE WITH MANAGING YOUR LOVED ONE
A spouse of an Evolve Diabetes patient heard about Kristin Loyd from his neighbor because he needed help managing his wife’s type 2 diabetes on insulin. He cared for his wife because she had dementia. His wife had been to the emergency room 2 times and had the EMS come to their home 4 times in the last 4 weeks due to severe hypoglycemia. Her PCP prescribed a Dexcom but they did not understand how to set it up and that is why they called Kristin Loyd for a home visit. The visit was with the patient, spouse and adult children. Kristin hooked up the patient to CGM, set up phones of all family with patient CGM data, remotely monitored and provided her data logs to PCP. Kristin prescribed the newest Glucagon injection and trained the family. Patient had been prescribed mealtime insulin for nearly 10 years without education. Kristin diagnosed inappropriately balanced meals and new gastroparesis. Kristin called them a month later to follow up and the spouse said "no problems since." She called them two months later, and patient doing well, no incidents.
Results: She was able to stay managed at home with her elderly husband. On insulin. No more emergency low blood sugar events. Lower diabetes distress.
PUTTING DIABETES IN THE BACK SEAT WHEN YOU RETIRE
An Evolve Diabetes patient with type 2 diabetes wanted to fly planes after he retired.His AIC went over 8.5 and he did not want to start medication because it would mess up his life goal to fly. He was referred by his PCP to Kristin Loyd. Kristin Loyd hooked him up on a CGM and suggested Trulicity for short term as a new prescription. The patient refused Trulicity and they had two counseling appointments within 3 weeks. The patient was in a hurry to lower his AIC below 7, so he went to an endocrinologist after that 3 weeks. The endocrinologist just prescribed him Trulicity, so he returned back to Kristin for help. The patient had 3 more appointments with Kristin. He called her back in May to praise and thank her because his AIC was down to 5.7. He said that when he went back to the endocrinologist, he told him that Kristin did it. (eek!)
Results: AIC from 8.5 to 5.7, time in range 98%, and flying. No diabetes distress anymore.
KNOW YOU ARE DOING IT RIGHT WITH A NEW DIAGNOSIS
An Evolve Diabetes patient was referred from his primary care doctor because he had a major medical event in his life and was hospitalized for 30 days. When he was released from the hospital, he had a secondary diagnosis of insulin-dependent diabetes. His wife was his caretaker and she was scared and did not know what to do. She needed a diabetes specialist to come to their home to teach her how to manage his diabetes. Their goals were to feel confident and safe with his insulin, enjoy his food and do the activities that he loved in life. He was started on a continuous glucose monitor and his data was set up for his family as well. The wife learned how to use insulin to coordinate with his and her life and his insulin doses were lowered without experiencing any side effects. His AIC started at 8.7 and it was lowered to 6.2. His blood sugars are in normal range 95% of the time. Now, he no longer has high blood sugars that make him tired. Two months after he left the hospital, they felt confident to leave their home for a week-long road trip out of state. The patient and the caregiver feel that they have gained back their livelihood and energy to enjoy life.
Results: Insulin dose relatively same, AIC from 8.7 to 6.1, Time in range 94%, 0% below 80 mg/dL, lowered diabetes distress.