Empowering Change: Jeaneth’s Journey with Diabetes
Adapted from the original piece written by Dr Nicole Fiolet on her blog
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At Tshemba, we witness remarkable stories of resilience and transformation. Jeaneth’s journey is one of those inspiring tales that highlights the power of knowledge, support, and care in the fight against diabetes.
Jeaneth, a 54-year-old woman, first entered our diabetes consultation room with a single crutch, a mix of anger and scepticism in her eyes. Diagnosed years earlier, her experience with diabetes had been long and arduous. A lack of understanding about her condition and minimal support at home made her struggle even harder. Her family, unaware of the complexities of diabetes, could not provide the encouragement she needed.
Our multidisciplinary team—comprising doctors, dieticians, a pharmacist, a nurse, and a patient ambassador—had recently shifted focus from acute care to addressing the intricate challenges of chronic conditions like diabetes. With diabetes being a leading cause of death in South Africa, this transition was critical.
Initially, Jeaneth was resistant to starting insulin therapy, as she was concerned that insulin was dangerous. Compounding her challenges were depression, hip pain, and the stigma surrounding her condition.Yet, we were determined to help.
We approached Jeaneth’s care with patience and empathy, explaining the nature of diabetes, the importance of treatment, and how small lifestyle changes could make a significant difference. Recognizing the importance of family support, we invited her husband to a session, helping him understand how their shared habits impacted their health.
Slowly but surely, Jeaneth began to trust us. She embraced dietary changes, started physiotherapy for her hip pain, and overcame her fear of insulin. With each step, she gained confidence and began to see tangible improvements in her health.
When Jeaneth returned for her final consultation, she was a different person. She walked in without her crutch, smiling with new found confidence. Her dedication had paid off—she had lost weight, her hip pain had diminished, and her blood sugar levels were finally under control. Her transformation inspired her family to adopt healthier habits, preventing diabetes from affecting their lives.
Jeaneth’s story is a testament to the impact of holistic, patient-centered care. Through education, empathy, and support, we not only empowered Jeaneth to take control of her health but also instilled a ripple effect of positive change within her family.
At Tshemba, stories like Jeaneth’s remind us why we do what we do. Together, we can tackle the challenges of diabetes and create healthier futures for individuals and communities alike.