Dawn McPeek-Bowser, a longtime resident of Licking County, enjoys spending time with her seven grandchildren and is excited to welcome number eight at the beginning of 2024. In 2021, she began to worry that she would have to miss out on some activities with her family because she was feeling sluggish. She first believed her lack of energy was a natural part of the aging process. However, Dawn also noticed that she was thirsty all the time and experiencing problems with her vision. In September 2021, she decided to make an appointment with her primary care physician, Marita L. Moore, M.D., to discuss the symptoms and determine if an underlying cause existed. Dr. Moore ordered blood tests including an examination of Dawn’s blood sugar level to ascertain whether or not she might have diabetes.

“My family has no history of diabetes, and at the time, I was unaware of anyone close to me who had ever been diagnosed with the disease except my father-in-law,” Dawn said. “I was very emotional about the results because I thought my life was going to change drastically for the worse. I was frightened by the changes I knew I would have to make.”

After receiving the diagnosis, Dr. Moore referred Dawn to Licking Memorial Hospital’s diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) presented by Licking Memorial Community Case Management. The classes are recognized by the American Diabetes Association and are instructed by registered nurses, dietitians, and pharmacists to educate patients on how to care for themselves on a daily basis. Participants receive vital information on healthy eating habits, medication management, blood glucose monitoring, the importance of activity, and reducing risks of diabetes complications. “The entire experience was eye-opening. I learned so much about diabetes and how to manage the disease. When I was first diagnosed, I had no idea what I could consume to avoid symptoms, and thought I would have to be on a very restrictive diet for the rest of my life,” Dawn shared. “I actually started to tear up when they explained healthy eating habits are more about moderation than limiting certain foods. I realized then that I would not have to deprive myself, and that I would be able to move forward with a few minor changes and live normally.”

As part of the healthy eating habits education, the dietitians strongly suggest the use of smaller plates and cups during meals and snacks. In addition to creating more appropriate portion sizes of food, the smaller plate is believed to create an optical illusion that assists in feeling more satisfied with the amount of food consumed. If a small piece of food is placed on a large plate, the mind imagines that the portion is not enough to satisfy hunger and causes a feeling of food deprivation. Instinctively, people will add more food to a large plate to achieve the feeling of fullness. However, placing the same amount of food on a small plate allows the mind to accept that the portion is large enough to fulfill the hunger cues. In this manner, fewer calories and carbohydrates are consumed and the person feels satiated.

“When the dietitians explained how to use the small plates, I thought the idea was ridiculous. I did not believe that type of mind game would be successful,” Dawn remarked. “However, I had small cups and plates in the house for the grandchildren, and I attempted the small plate method. I found it works and assists in easily tracking the proper amount of carbohydrates and sugars that I consume. I have continued using the small plates and cups, and I am happy to enjoy my favorite snacks. I can even enjoy a night out at a restaurant and make healthy choices to maintain my blood sugar levels.”

Since taking the class and learning more about healthy eating habits, Dawn has lost over 70 pounds. She was able to work with Dr. Moore to decrease her diabetes medication dosage as she began to lower her blood sugar levels through diet. In addition, Dawn noticed that the problems with her vision have also been resolved. Finding ways to incorporate more movement and exercise into her daily routine has been a challenge for Dawn. While working at a daycare years ago, she injured her back and struggles with the pain of the injury. However, Dawn has experienced more energy and has set a goal to increase the number of walks that she takes throughout her day. The increased energy has also allowed her to spend more time playing with her grandchildren.

As she shared her diagnosis with others, Dawn found that many of her friends and acquaintances have also been diagnosed with diabetes. She highly recommends the diabetes education classes to them no matter how long it has been since they were diagnosed with the disease. “I cannot say enough about the benefits of the education I received at LMHS,” Dawn said. “I know now that a diagnosis of diabetes is not the end of the world, and that a productive, fun life is still possible. The classes also offer needed support from others with the disease. The other attendees share their stories, questions, and concerns, and I felt better knowing I was not going through the process alone.”

Dawn’s family rallied around her after her diagnosis and remains supportive of her lifestyle modifications. To encourage Dawn to continue eating healthy, her husband of over 30 years, Richard, has made changes in his diet as well, choosing healthier options and consuming more appropriate portion sizes. Dawn and Richard’s daughters, Sadee, Chasidy, and Halie, are very supportive of the healthy lifestyle choices that they have made, and the grandchildren have also been involved in learning about nutrition and healthy eating habits.