On this morning I chatted with Bob, a newly retired attorney. As we spoke about what we each did for a living, or used to do, he told me of his wife’s concern as she fights diabetes – adult onset diabetes that has now made her dependent on insulin. It has a lot of ups and downs and can be difficult to manage. Clearly, managing her weight has been a problem after giving birth to their third child years ago. Being overweight, as you may know, is a big risk factor for diabetes.

Bob worried about his blood sugar numbers too. He does not have diabetes but was headed toward it. But stepped up exercise and managing his weight has helped him fight back. Things are stable right now. But his wife is in a tighter spot and there are always worries of circulatory problems including heart attack, stroke, kidney problems, vision, and blood supply to the feet. Fortunately, she is in an HMO class to give her guidance and support. Diabetes, an epidemic that now may be affecting more than 23 MILLION Americans, including an increasing number of adolescents, depends, in many cases on individuals better managing their weight, exercising, and eating right. Beyond listening to instruction in a class, these are steps the person themselves has to “own.” And it can be quite difficult. But diabetes, when not managed, has a sad end, and for too many people these days.

Across town Rick Roberts, at 59, is proving things can be turned around. He finally, after ten years, decided to “own” his diabetes and fight back with a total turn around on how much and what he ate and he greatly stepped up his exercise. He lost weight, reduced his reliance diabetes medicines – in partnership with his doctor – and feels 1000% better. He became a “poster child” for better diabetes control.

Rick is doing more, he is a featured speaker at our first ever “How to be a Powerful Patient” town meeting, this Sunday near our homes, on Mercer Island, Washington.

I encouraged Bob to come with his wife and be inspired and hear practical tips on how to fight diabetes and also better navigate the healthcare system.

Whether it’s diabetes or another health concern, I hope you will RSVP and attend if you are close-by. And, if you are at a distance, look for us posting wisdom from what is shared at the event online on patientpower.info .

I feel Bob’s pain about diabetes and the pain so many people feel as they fight for better health, sometimes feeling it is too hard to win.

My hope is, with the power of community between doctors, nurses, patients and caregivers this weekend, we can give people like Bob and his wife a roadmap for a journey they can control for better health.

Wishing you and your family the best of health!

Andrew