A WEIGHT LIFTED
like Scripps, a partnership between primary care physicians and specialty care providers, such as those of the Diabetes Prevention Program, can lead to more successful patient outcomes. “At the Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute, we have a hub-and-spoke model,” says Dr. Philis-Tsimikas. “The core programs are developed centrally, and staff are dispersed throughout the Scripps Health system, so no matter where in the county you’re located, you have access to the same curricula and expertise,” she continues. “All programs are offered in English and Spanish, and research opportunities are interspersed as well. At any given time, there are multiple clinical research studies going on that offer innovations in diabetes care as we look toward the future. All of this occurs right here in the Scripps Health system, and it’s all integrated to lead to better outcomes.”
exercise I need. This program made it so that I had to do things, and that was really good for me. The increase in activity helped me drop another 10 pounds and get me to a place where my blood sugars are at a healthy level.” Block applauds Butsumyo’s commitment not only to the course, but to making the sustainable lifestyle changes that will keep her on a healthy path. “Nancy’s transformation was incredible,” Block says. “I kept encouraging her to find a way that she could eat for the rest of her life, and she totally got it. Plus, she really took to the activity. At the end of the year, her blood glucose levels went into normal range, and she felt it was effortless because she was eating more than before but was making healthy choices. She’s such a success story.” The Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute is a leading center for diabetes care and research in Southern California. Founded in 1981, its mission is to improve the quality of life for people with diabetes through innovative programs, while pursuing prevention and a cure. In a collaborative health care system
and salt, in favor of those that are lower in fat and sugar and that are less processed. “A lifestyle change does not mean deprivation. I recognize that food is about so much more than just food. It’s about socializing, it’s about culture,” she says. “You don’t need to deprive yourself of food you like in order to make these changes,” Block continues. “Research shows that a 5% to 7% weight loss is all you need to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. All that requires is a little bit of awareness and making small changes and healthier choices. Over the long haul, those small choices are what’s going to make a big difference when it comes to diabetes.” For Butsumyo, it was these real-life lessons that made the biggest impact. In addition to the program’s focus on healthy eating, it also promotes physical activity, something she approached with gusto. “I loved the activity level that the program encouraged,” she says. “I enjoy doing active things, but sometimes I don’t make time for me, and I don’t do the
“I enjoy doing active things, but sometimes I don’t make time for me ... This program made it so that I had to do things, and that was really good for me.” —NANCY BUTSUMYO
For more information, visit Scripps.org/SDDiabetes.
With the help of her Scripps physician, lifestyle coach and dietitian, Butsumyo learned to make sustainable changes that helped her lose weight and get her blood sugars down to a healthy level.
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