When Kelley Leno Wilson, 57, arrived at PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital’s Emergency Department, her blood-sugar levels were dangerously high — a condition that can lead to coma or death. Good Samaritan Hospital staff immediately put her on insulin and she began to improve. But that was just the beginning of her journey.
Diabetes is a serious disease that has many potential complications. Blindness, nerve issues called neuropathy and possible amputation are just a few. Dr. Nupur Kumar, her primary care doctor, recommended that Kelley enroll in diabetes and heart health classes offered by the hospital’s Community Health Education team.
Kelley trusted Dr. Kumar’s guidance and embraced the program completely. She learned how to eat smaller portions, cut back on sugar and avoid saturated fat. Nine months later, her blood-sugar levels were closer to normal and she was 20 pounds lighter.
She credits her positive health and lifestyle changes to Dr. Kumar’s guidance and care, as well as to the support she received from the Community Health Education team.
“Kelley was a perfect example of a person that took her own body’s healing power and personal motivation to fight it,” says Dr. Kumar. “She is an example to everyone with diabetes or any other health problems.”