'It Wreaks Havoc on Your Body:' Diabetes Patient Credits Hospital Program With Helping Her Manage Her Disease

Annette Sifferlin monitors her health closely.

She's had to. Sifferlin, an OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital patient, has had type 2 diabetes for more than twenty years. It hasn't always been well-controlled.

“It would go so low at night my alarm would be waking me up,” said Sifferlin.

Sifferlin's blood sugar was constantly spiking and diving. In her first few years dealing with her diagnosis, she would take concentrated insulin, a more potent form of the hormone, at least six times a day. The constant highs and lows of energy made her exhausted. 

“I was tired,” said Sifferlin. “I was run ragged. I just pushed myself to my daily limit every day.”

After ending back at Mansfield Hospital for an unrelated heart issue, Sifferlin was referred to the hospital's Diabetes Self-Management and Education Support Program. That's where her life changed and she learned how to manage her disease. 

“There were so many things that I didn’t know I was supposed to be doing,” said Sifferlin. “I had no idea.”

Sifferlin learned how to read labels, count carbs and how to get her entire family involved with her health plan.

Now, nearly a year after taking the program, Sifferlin's seeing results. Her energy is up, she's taking less medication and her average blood sugar levels are lower. 

“I could be in a different position right now," said Sifferlin. “My mom went on kidney dialysis. That could be me.”

Sifferlin's thankful she took advantage of the education programs available at Mansfield Hospital.

During National Diabetes Awareness Month, she advises all diabetes patients to find support and learn as much as they can about managing the disease. It made all the difference for Sifferlin.