Learning to Live with Diabetes: Renee's Story

I was diagnosed with diabetes more than two decades ago, but when you're young you think you have all the time in the world to worry about your health.

I raised a beautiful family and worked for the school system as a bus driver.

As someone with employment only part of the year, I have often struggled with keeping health insurance. It is overwhelming to try to manage something like diabetes when you don't have access to the medicine and education you need.

Last year, I was hospitalized at Natividad Medical Center. During my stay, my blood sugar was dangerously high, so Chesney Hoagland-Fuchs, Certified Diabetes Educator, came to visit me.

She invited me to the diabetes support group, and I've been attending for the past few months. I learned easy ways that I can eat healthier, stay physically active and control my blood sugar…regardless of my insurance status!

The way she approached me made me feel safe, comfortable and able to make the right choices to improve my health.

If I hadn't met Chesney, I would've continued to live the same way and no doubt suffered more and more of the long term complications of diabetes. Chesney has given me the tools…and the belief that I have the power…to make real changes.

Renee

GIVING
At Natividad Medical Foundation, we are passionate about raising funds to support diabetes treatment, education and prevention for people like Renee.

Join us by making a gift to philanthropically support diabetes education and care for everyone in our community!