Dennis’ Story

Controlling diabetes with self-management tools

When Dennis Pellerin came to the Henry Ford Diabetes Care Center (DCC) at Shelby Medical Mall in April 2013, his A1C level was 9.0. As in many people, diabetes silently developed in Dennis over time.

When Dennis learned that he had type 2 diabetes, he went to work. As a retired design supervisor, he enjoyed delving deep into problems to discover the causes and find a solution. He took advantage of the information, programs and tools available through the DCC to regain control over his blood sugar levels.

Dennis uses the MyFitnessPal app to monitor his carb intake. He purchased a special meter that he uses in conjunction with his iPhone to upload specific readings so that he can chart trends, peaks or lows and adjust his diet accordingly.

"The great thing about Dennis is his ability to use his readings to change his behaviors," said Education Specialist Carolyn Loch, who works with patients at the DCC. "Two years after his initial diagnosis, Dennis is still testing his blood sugar twice a day to help him manage his meal planning."

"Dennis is very vigilant about his diabetes self-management and tracks his carbohydrates on MyFitnessPal so he knows exactly how many grams he can eat in a day. He is even able to enjoy an occasional bowl of his favorite Moose Tracks ice cream while maintaining an A1C of 6.0. This is because of his unwavering attention to his blood sugar numbers.

In addition to his lifestyle changes, Dennis is sharing his strength and wisdom with others at the DCC. He is a founding member of the DCC Empowerment Group, serves as a DCC Patient Advocate on the Diabetes Care Design Team and is involved at a national level, helping raise funds for the American Diabetes Association.

"I started off with the class that Carolyn taught," Dennis, 65, said. "It gave me a better understanding of what I had to do. My wife DiAnne and I also attend support groups. She doesn’t have diabetes, but she goes to support me. There are probably 3 or 4 couples in the group where one person has diabetes and the other person is there for support."

Dennis has also benefited from the guest speakers at the DCC, learning more about diabetes so that he can take preventive steps or just be more informed about his condition.

"The (DCC) helps keep me focused, Dennis added. Because of the guest speakers we have, I now have a better understanding of how diabetes can affect me. I have learned how it can affect my eyes, the nerves in my hands and feet, my teeth. I now regularly see a podiatrist and optometrist. I’m more informed and more focused."

Dennis’s experience is similar to those of many others who use the services at the DCC. He’s quick to point out other successes grander than his. Yet his story of knowledge put into action has helped him gain better control of his health.

"Dennis is a pleasure to know," Carolyn said. "He’s a true success story when it comes to diabetes self-management. He truly embraced the tools and knowledge available through the DCC to change his life. And, yes, he is only one of our many great success stories."