An Aspire Member Shares Her Before and After the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) Story

When Christy Brusachetti, Aspire Health member, learned she was prediabetic based on her A1C levels, she knew it was time to make changes. Approximately 1 in 4 Monterey County adults are at risk for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Aspire Health’s Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) has the highest recognition from the CDC in Monterey County. We asked Christy about her experience participating in the program.

How did you feel before the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)?

When my doctor first told me that I had a high A1C level that was prediabetic, I was scared. I didn’t want to end up on medication or have to worry for my kids and grandkids. I wanted to do something about it.

What lifestyle changes did you make to prevent type 2 diabetes? 

I think the biggest changes I made from the DPP were related to physical activity. I had not been physically active for a very long time, and I think that was the first step. Walking is an easy thing to do, but something that I wasn’t doing. Being overweight, I was slow. I can now actually run with my grandkids, and race with them, too.

Has anyone joined you on your healthcare journey?

It’s been really great with me doing this program, and starting to exercise, eat better, lose weight and get healthier. It’s been a “trickle effect.” My mother has also lost twenty pounds and she’s listened to me say how much better I’m doing and feeling. I told her that I wanted that for her, too. She got a peddle bike, and she now peddles every day.

Did you have any health improvements?

My A1C started at 6.2, and it’s now 5.2. I want it to go lower so that it doesn’t have to be something I worry about in the future. I want to get my A1C levels down low enough to where it’s not even a part of my thought process. My weight loss has been 47 pounds. I still have more to lose because I want to be in the normal range for my height. It doesn’t have to be the lowest part of normal, but I don’t want to be overweight at all.

How did you feel after the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)?

I feel the most comfortable that I’ve ever felt in my entire life that this is real and will stay with me for the rest of my life. I won’t fall back into old habits. Moving forward, I’m most excited about what I’ve accomplished and the changes I’ve made. I’m almost 68, and at the age that I am, I feel the healthiest that I can be and hopefully keep myself from having to take medication. I’m hoping that through diet and exercise and doing the right thing, I won’t need to take medications that older people need to take. I have younger grandchildren, so I want to be as active as I was for my older grandchildren.

Hear more from Christy in her own words by watching the video below.

Here in Monterey County, approximately 1 in 4 Monterey County adults are at risk for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. This is why Aspire Health Plan and the Diabetes Collaborative of Monterey County have teamed up to help you make meaningful changes in your lifestyle that can reduce your risk of diabetes. As an Aspire Health Medicare Advantage Plan member, you have no-cost access to an enhanced care team and the Diabetes Prevention Program. Setting and sticking to your health goals can feel challenging –let our team of caring, knowledgeable health coaches support you on your health journey. Call us today to find the next available class and to enroll in the program (831) 644-7490.

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