Veteran manages diabetes with lifestyle changes

Army Veteran Leketia Webb has been on a 10-year journey to control her diabetes.

She first noticed symptoms of always feeling thirsty and frequent urination, typical in a diabetic patient. She was initially diagnosed with insulin resistance and placed on medications, but her blood sugar levels did not improve leading to her diabetes diagnosis.

In the beginning, Webb was in denial about her disease. Even though she had a family history of diabetes, she did not change her lifestyle. Due to a doctor’s recommendation for her husband to try a 90-day plant-based diet, she tried it and witnessed her levels decreased dramatically. She realized her diet was a key factor in managing her diabetes.

She began using the services of the James A. Haley VA’s Women’s Center for her health care five years ago and says coming to VA helped her tremendously. Prior to enrolling, she only saw her health care provider every 90 days.

Leketia Webb

“Now successfully controlling the disease.”

The Women’s Center monitored her much more closely, checked her A1C monthly and made adjustments as necessary. Her primary care physician recommended further investigation with diabetic specialists, classes and regularly scheduled appointments to begin the process of managing the disease.

Dr. Ashleigh Joseph, Women’s Health Clinical pharmacy specialist, began working with Webb. They discussed diet and exercise and focused more on what was helping.

Joseph describes her relationship with Webb as a journey. “We began with a medication approach, but with time that changed to a multifaceted approach adding lifestyle changes to get to the point where Ms. Webb is now successfully controlling the disease.”

Webb felt the turning point was when she met Joseph. “I felt that it all changed when I met her. She heard me. The conversation changed from ‘Just take this medication or this medication and follow the standard regimen,’ to my doctor listening to me. This is what helped me the most. It made me stop and reflect. It is a manageable disease as long as I do what I need to do.”

Enjoys cooking and eating with family

Webb now exercises and prepares all of her food at home. She also has cut out all processed foods and preps a lot of food when she knows she will be on the go.

Joseph says this journey has been a lesson for her as well. “I met someone where they are in life and when they are ready to make changes. She listens to her body more, being mindful of the cues her body gives her. It is great to see her take a look inward. The ultimate self-care. It has been wonderful to witness the transformation.”

Everything finally clicked for Webb when she found some sustainable lifestyle and nutrition habits that work well for her and her entire family. She and her family enjoy cooking and eating together. These habits can last for a lifetime.

“If you use the resources the VA provides and you work together with your providers, it will work for you,” Webb said.