Lifestyle Changes with Support from Humana Wellness Coaching

Living with type 2 diabetes for several years, Humana Medicare Advantage member Steve, 76, took his prescribed medication and didn’t think much more about how diabetes might affect his health. That is, until last year when he started having problems with his feet. Steve’s doctor let him know that his foot problems were a complication from the diabetes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 38 million Americans have diabetes with about 90-95% of those living with type 2 diabetes. About half of the people living with diabetes experience nerve damage that most often affects feet and legs. Damage to nerves can cause numbness which makes checking your feet for problems very important for people living with diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is commonly managed through lifestyle changes and medication. After discovering problems with his feet, Steve knew he needed to make some changes. So he reached out to the Humana Wellness team for support.

“When Steve started wellness coaching, he knew he was going to have to change how and what he ate as well as get more physically active,” said Jen Rogers, Senior Wellness Coach. “We discussed his readiness, set a 6-month long term goal and began to set small, achievable goals to get there.”

Jen also provided educational literature created by Humana to help Steve think about new activities he could add to his plan.

Steve and his wife started with small changes. They began walking together 10-15 minutes each day and Steve reduced the portion sizes of what he ate. He also started keeping records of his blood glucose levels, blood pressure, what he ate and how he felt. Steve and his wife were eating more vegetables and actively sought out new, healthy foods to try.

It wasn’t long before Steve achieved his first goal of weighing less than 200 pounds. But he didn’t stop there. Steve and his wife started walking twice a day for up to an hour. Even a neighbor joined them on their walks.

Steve’s doctor was encouraging and challenged him to lose more weight. And he did! Steve weighs 180 pounds now. His A1C, a measure of how high blood sugar levels have been over the past 3 months, is within the normal range and he no longer needs to take medication for diabetes.

“Steve took charge of his own health journey,” said Jen. “He remained absolutely committed even when it was hard, even when other health issues competed for his time and attention. He just kept moving forward and he is committed to keeping up the changes he's made. He inspires me to keep at it every day too.”

“This has been a good trip for me. I’ve enjoyed the journey,” Steve said. “You have to remember to keep looking up, not down. And with that, I plan on walking the line just like Johnny Cash!”

Humana Wellness Coaching is an interactive telephonic program for Medicare participants who elect to participate, for wellness improvement, including weight management, nutrition, exercise, back care, blood pressure management and blood sugar management. Wellness Coaching may not be available with all plans. Check your Summary of Benefits for coverage details.

Your results may vary. It may not be typical to improve health conditions by taking the actions Steve did. Consult your doctor before beginning any new diet or exercise regimen.