Toshia was an unstoppable force - balancing her roles as a teaching assistant, mother of four, and student - until the onset of chronic fatigue hindered her dynamic lifestyle.
A trip to Crystal Run Urgent Care confirmed the cause: Toshia had Type 2 diabetes.
Toshia had a strong family history of diabetes. She grew up watching her father manage his condition. Then, her son was diagnosed when he was 18 years old. When she started to feel worn down, she knew something was off.
“I remembered my son’s symptoms before he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes,” Toshia recalled. “He was always tired, sleeping a lot, and one time he had a hard time waking up, which scared me. It reminded me of how I was feeling.”
Toshia borrowed a test kit from a friend to check her blood sugar levels. When the results came back shockingly high, Toshia rushed to Crystal Run Urgent Care where she was immediately given an IV of insulin.
After running several blood tests that indicated Toshia was diabetic, the providers at Crystal Run Urgent Care referred Toshia to an endocrinologist. Toshia made an appointment with Maya Bissonette, FNP-BC, a Nurse Practitioner specializing in Endocrinology at Crystal Run Healthcare in Sullivan County, New York.
“Being an elementary school teaching
assistant and a mom of four boys, I was used to being tired from being constantly busy. But this exhaustion felt different.
I knew that something was off.”
– Toshia
Maya diagnosed Toshia with Type 2 diabetes. Together, they worked to find a treatment plan to help Toshia regain her health. After trying different medications, they determined that taking insulin was the best way to control Toshia’s blood sugar levels.
Toshia also received in-depth nutritional information and support from Danielle Krantz, RN, CDCES, a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist.
“Here at Crystal Run Healthcare we focus on diabetes education, reducing stress, and eliminating guilt around food choices,” Maya said. “We aim to build a structure in patients' daily lives that leads to success.”
Routine follow-ups, tests, and screenings for various complications associated with diabetes are all part of the comprehensive care that Toshia receives. Crystal Run Healthcare providers monitor kidney function, retina health, and screen for diabetic neuropathy, heart disease, and hypertension through their multi-specialty approach.
Even with insulin and a strong support system, Toshia struggled for a time to maintain her glucose levels alongside her highly active life. That’s when Danielle set Toshia up with a Continuous Glucose Monitor.
“It can be overwhelming for someone with a new
diabetes diagnosis. Struggling is normal – it’s a difficult disease. They have to absorb a lot of information and understand why they need to make significant changes to the routines they’ve spent 20, 30, or even 40 years building. We remind them they are worth the effort and that caring for themselves is essential.”
– Maya Bisonette, FNP-BC
Having the technology to monitor her blood sugar levels with ease was a game-changer for Toshia.
“Checking blood sugar levels with finger pricks might seem simple, but it's not easy for someone like Toshia who leads a busy life and works at school with energetic kids,” Maya said.
The Continuous Glucose Monitor, a medical implant with a sensor that connects to Toshia’s phone, allowed her to understand how food and activity affect her in real-time.
“After starting Continuous Glucose Monitoring, my numbers went from barely manageable to amazing!” Toshia said. “I've learned to listen to my body and check my monitor to understand why I feel a certain way.”
Now, with comprehensive care and continuous glucose monitoring, Toshia has the confidence and energy she needs to keep her life in balance.
“I’m more awake now,” Toshia said. “When I come home from work, I can do what I need to do. I have the energy to play with my youngest son and focus on my goals. I feel healthier and more determined.”
Toshia is currently working on her most ambitious goal yet: earning her Master's Degree in Early Education so she can open a private primary school.
“I believe I can achieve all of this because I'm healthier, and I'll be around for it all thanks to Crystal Run Healthcare,” she said.
Exceptional care helped Toshia get back to living life on her own terms. It can do the same for you.
