The Prevention Plan™ Helps Member Identify Diabetes Risk and Make Dramatic Lifestyle Changes

Many of us think of ourselves as being relatively healthy. Sure, we could exercise more, lose a few extra pounds and eat healthier but, over all, we generally feel okay. 

Regena Paterik, an Account Management Specialist for PSCU Financial Services, felt like she was healthy when she became a member of The Prevention Plan^™, a health improvement program offered to her as part of her employee benefits. “I thought I was being healthy,” Paterik said. “I was eating fruits like pineapples and bananas and things like yogurt and milk.”

As a member of The Prevention Plan^™, Paterik received an assessment of her current health status and top health risks determined by comprehensive blood work, biometrics, health history and physician review. When Paterik’s Prevention Plan indicated a risk for diabetes, she called The Prevention Plan^™ for help.

When reviewing Paterik’s Prevention Plan, RN Advocate, Cheryl Meyer, explained that a fasting blood sugar level out of normal range signaled a red flag for diabetes. Nurse Meyer encouraged Paterik to see her physician.

“I had no idea what normal blood sugar levels should be, but Cheryl told me to go see my doctor and bring the results with me,” Paterik stated. “She assured me that my doctor would take care of me.”  
 
Paterik’s physician confirmed The Prevention Plan^™’s results and diagnosed her with diabetes. “I was devastated,” Paterik said. “My doctor just handed me some material to read and asked me to come back in a couple months. I felt alone.”

Paterik called The Prevention Plan^™ for support. Meyer explained to her how different foods choices affect her blood sugar level and encouraged her to utilize the customized action plans on her Prevention Plan.

“I like the goal setting and action plans. I’ve done like five or six action plans,” Paterik commented. “They help you see where you are and what you need to do.” Laughingly Paterik adds, “I used the action plan for stress and it helped so much, I gave it to my daughter to use.”

Since joining The Prevention Plan^™, Paterik has significantly reduced her blood sugar levels and is well on her way to managing her diabetes. She proudly states, “I’m at a 95. I can’t wait to see my doctor.” 

Paterik commented on her experience with The Prevention Plan^™, “I feel empowered. This has been the sound[ing] board where I can get advice and support. I wonder what I would’ve done if I hadn’t done this. I may have been spinning circles and ended up having to take insulin, which is something I want to avoid. I’ve relied on The Prevention Plan^™.”

Nurse Meyer shared her thoughts on working with Paterik and other members of The Prevention Plan^™, “Developing relationships and having the opportunity to impact people’s lives is what makes my job rewarding.”

To learn more about RN coaching available through The Prevention Plan^™, call 866-713-1180.