Recognizing the signs of Type 2 diabetes

When Tony Robinson and his wife traveled to Myrtle Beach for their anniversary, he expected a relaxing getaway. Instead, he noticed symptoms he could not explain. He was thirsty all the time and drinking far more fluids than usual. Even after several bottles of water and sodas throughout the day, he could not quench his thirst.

The symptoms quickly became impossible to ignore.

“No matter what I did, I was always thirsty,” said Tony. “I was constantly reaching for something to drink. Even at night, I was drinking fluids and getting up to use the restroom every hour. It got to the point where it was affecting our vacation and getting in the way of the things we had planned to do.”

As the symptoms continued, Tony knew something was not right. He scheduled a wellness visit to find answers.

After reviewing his blood work, his care team asked him to go to the Emergency Department immediately. His A1C level was dangerously high, putting him at risk for serious health complications. There, providers lowered his blood sugar levels and diagnosed him with Type 2 diabetes.

"The news was shocking,” said Tony. “I wasn't expecting to learn I had diabetes. I had a lot of questions about what life would look like moving forward. At the same time, it explained why I'd been feeling so different."

"Typical A1C levels are below 5.7%," said M. Shahan Sulehri, M.D., Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Endocrinologist at Genesis Endocrinology. "When Tony's A1C measured 15%, he needed treatment right away. Without treatment, the condition could have become life-threatening.”

"I do not have a family history of diabetes, so the diagnosis was surprising," Tony said. "I knew what I was experiencing wasn't normal for me, and I was ready to learn what I needed to do."

How diabetes education helps after diagnosis

Tony was unsure what living with diabetes would look like. Managing diabetes felt overwhelming at first, but Genesis Diabetes & Nutrition Education helped him understand the condition and build a plan to manage it.

Olivia Barclay, R.N., from Genesis Diabetes & Nutrition Education, made a lasting impression.

“She helped me understand what I needed to do after being diagnosed,” Tony said.

Tony enrolled in diabetes education classes through Genesis. He learned how food affects blood sugar, how to properly read nutrition labels and how to make healthier choices while still enjoying many of the foods he loves.

"At first, I was worried that I would have to give up a lot of the food I enjoyed," Tony said. "I was glad to learn I could still eat the foods I like in moderation."

With guidance from Dr. Sulehri and the diabetes education team, Tony began making small but important changes. He chose more sugar-free options, paid closer attention to portion sizes and started using a glucose sensor to track his blood sugar levels.

Managing diabetes with confidence

Today, Tony's life looks much different.

With a care plan in place and a better understanding of diabetes, Tony feels more confident managing his condition. The changes have made a noticeable difference in his daily life. He sleeps through the night, has more energy and feels better.

Looking back, he believes education played a major role in his success.

"You have to understand what's going on with your body to control or solve it," Tony said.

What once felt overwhelming became the beginning of a healthier future. Tony is back to spending time with family and friends, camping, caring for his horses, playing golf and enjoying the active lifestyle he loves.

“Getting my diabetes under control has made a huge difference. I feel better than I have in years,” Tony said.