Becoming a Certified National Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach
Introducing Nutrition coaching, managing symptoms, and advocation
This week, my work team and I completed our last class session with the University of Virginia’s National Diabetes Prevention Program, with program coordinator Anne Wolf!
We are all now certified Lifestyle Coaches, and I am very excited to add this to my list of educational achievements, certificates, and résumé as I continue my journey as an author and coach. As some of you may know, I am certified through ISSA in personal training and nutrition coaching, as well as a QMHP living in Danville, Virginia.
I have personal experience with diabetes, both through my own journey and through my grandmother and other people living with the condition. A few years ago, I was diagnosed with Polyendocrine Metabolic Syndrome. After all these years, I finally learned why I suffered all year long from the side effects of PMS and my menstrual cycle. Heavy bleeding, cramps, bloating, brain fog, abnormal hair growth (facial and body hair), skipped or missed periods, abnormal weight gain—the list goes on!
I have a new PCP who completed a test to determine the most and least effective medications for me based on my metabolic panel. It was so interesting! It involved just a quick mouth swab to collect a saliva sample, and then the test took one to two weeks to return. I found out that the previous medication I was taking was a high-risk option, and that probably explains why my blood sugar levels increased and I was struggling to lose weight.
When I heard I was prediabetic, I didn’t know what to think other than about my late grandmother, who was an amputee; my dad’s recent ailments over the last few years; and my living 97-year-old grandmother’s continued journey with managing diabetes. I began conducting additional research about peripheral neuropathy because I noticed numbness, stiffness, and tingling in my hands and feet. I have also begun to experience stiffness and numbness when I sit with my legs crossed, even for a short amount of time.
This month, I am being proactive in my drive to create content, and I created an online class/content board on Skool called Elevate Mind and Body Wellness. I actually secured my first nutrition client the other day!!! Other people have been reaching out about my services and asking how I lost so much weight. It has been a struggle sometimes, but I am making it work. I still struggle with my diet sometimes. I still struggle with exercise and sleep, but I know that it is normal to experience some setbacks along the journey.
Prediabetes is totally reversible if you take the necessary steps and stay diligent. I have told people lately that this is the healthiest and happiest I’ve ever been, felt, and looked!!!
