Kim Geguzis, longtime secretary to the dean in the College of Nursing and wellness ambassador for the liveWELL program, had strong motivation for making healthy lifestyle changes. After years of witnessing family members struggle to manage their Type 2 diabetes, she knew she had to do something to avoid the same fate.
When Kim heard that liveWELL would offer the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) in early 2020, she decided to take action. She noticed that her A1C numbers were starting to slowly rise, and she wanted to do something to feel better about herself. A1C is a measure of the percentage of hemoglobin that is coated with sugar.
Information sessions
New groups for the liveWELL Diabetes Prevention Program are launching in February 2021. Sign up for an information session now to learn more about the program and to see if you qualify. Attending a session is required to enroll in the program.
Zoom Meeting Info Sessions
To attend a Zoom meeting info session, please register for the session in Employee Self-Service > My Training. To find the sessions, search “liveWELL: Diabetes Prevention Program.”
- Wednesday, Jan. 6: 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. (CST)
- Tuesday, Jan. 12: 12:10 to 12:50 p.m.
- Thursday, Jan. 14: 5:15 to 5:55 p.m.
- Wednesday, Jan. 20: 12:10 to 12:50 p.m.
- Friday, Jan. 22: 12:10 to 12:50 p.m.
DPP is a yearlong program proven to help participants cut their risk for Type 2 diabetes in half. This program is designed for longterm support and focused on living a healthier lifestyle, losing weight, becoming more active, and preventing chronic conditions.
For extra accountability and support, she recruited her husband, Chris, to join her in making healthy changes. Both supported each other by preparing and tracking their favorite Weight Watchers’ recipes.
With support for each other and from DPP, both Kim and Chris shattered their weight loss goals and each has lost more than 30 pounds. Kim is choosing more fruits and vegetables, preparing healthier meals, exercising more, and sleeping better. One of the things that she enjoyed the most was trying out new recipes in her air fryer and Instant Pot. In addition to weight loss, Kim also noticed she has more energy to keep up with her grandkids, her clothes fit better, and she has more confidence.
“I would encourage anyone to sign up for this yearlong program,” Kim says. “The weekly meetings help keep you accountable to maintain your new lifestyle and your new habits. Our instructor, Melanie, is great and very knowledgeable about nutrition and exercise. I enjoy the input from others in my class, as well. Everyone offers a different perspective and that has been beneficial.”
The Diabetes Prevention Program was never just a diet for Kim. It is her new lifestyle that she plans to continue for the rest of her life.