Abe Ngoma’s Journey with Type 2 Diabetes
Meet Abe Ngoma, a middle school math teacher and an enthusiastic marathon runner and cyclist based in Houston, TX. Twenty years ago, he faced a life-altering diagnosis: type 2 diabetes. A self-described “candyholic,” Abe realized he needed to make significant changes to his diet after witnessing the severe repercussions of diabetes on his family. Initially, he managed his condition with traditional methods, but everything shifted for the better when he stumbled upon a commercial for a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) in 2020.
Confronting the Diagnosis
Abe reflects on the shock of his diagnosis, especially since he had always led an active and healthy lifestyle. However, with a family history of diabetes, he understood that he was at a higher risk. His doctor prescribed metformin, which effectively controlled his diabetes for a while. But by 2011, he began to notice troubling symptoms, such as weight loss and dizziness during his physical activities, indicating that his diabetes was becoming more challenging to manage.
Exploring Treatment Options
When Abe’s doctor recommended an insulin pump, he was apprehensive—he felt it wouldn’t mesh well with his active lifestyle. Instead, they settled on a treatment plan involving three different types of insulin, which he adhered to for several years. However, it wasn’t until the pandemic hit that Abe learned about Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 2 continuous glucose monitor through online advertisements. Curious about its potential advantages, he brought it up with his doctor and decided to give it a shot.
A Game-Changer: The Continuous Glucose Monitor
The CGM turned out to be revolutionary for Abe. It equipped him with the knowledge he needed to understand how his body reacted to various foods, allowing him to make better dietary decisions. He was surprised to find that some items he had considered safe for his diabetes were causing significant spikes in his glucose levels. With the insights gained from the CGM, Abe refined his eating habits to optimize his energy for long bike rides, learning the best times and types of foods to consume for peak performance.
Empowerment Through Technology
Thanks to the CGM, Abe no longer has to rely on finger pricks or guesswork to monitor his glucose levels. The device provides timely alerts when his levels dip too low, enabling him to take proactive measures before any adverse effects occur. This newfound control has allowed him to decrease his insulin usage, at times going several days without needing any injections.
Looking Ahead
As Abe reflects on his journey, he wishes he had discovered the CGM earlier, but he is deeply appreciative of the positive changes it has brought to his life. With improved management of his diabetes, he now feels empowered to pursue his passions freely and without constraints. The CGM has genuinely transformed his experience, granting him a newfound sense of autonomy and control that he had never felt before.