Leonard, a Kaiser Permanente member in Antioch, lived with diabetes for eight years and never felt it was under control. Leonard recalls, “I got to the point where I slept most of the time because I never had any energy.”

Leonard took his diabetes medications, but his blood sugars were still too high. His A1C blood test, a 3-month average of daily blood sugars, was over 9%. The goal for most people with diabetes is an A1C less than 7%.

After talking to a diabetes educator, Leonard decided to sign up for an Insulin Start class. He took the class even though he still had doubts about insulin. “I thought I would be worse on insulin.” He was surprised to learn the exact opposite was true. In the class, Leonard learned that insulin controls blood sugar differently than oral medications do. He also learned that if he could get his A1C below 7%, he would reduce his risk of developing serious problems that affect the kidneys, nerves and eyesight.

After learning more about the benefits of using insulin, Leonard made an appointment with his doctor. “My doctor was thrilled when I asked for insulin. He said that I was his first patient to ever ask for it.”

Leonard began taking two insulin injections a day. His blood sugars improved and his A1C lowered from 9% to 7.4% in just five months. This change dramatically lowered his risks for complications. Now Leonard says, “…insulin has given me more energy...” and that lets him do more of the things he likes to do.

Leonard, his family, and doctor are proud of his success with insulin. Leonard’s message to other people living diabetes is “That insulin works. I feel that I have my diabetes under control with insulin. Insulin has been a very positive influence on my life.”

Are you ready for a new lease of life? If so, we have new online resources to help you get started:

Watch our new Insulin for Diabetes video series to learn more about using insulin, preventing diabetes complications, and more Healthy Living VIDEOS.

Consider the benefits of using insulin to reach your A1C goal today. Insulin: How it Helps Keep You Healthy

Try our diabetes classes like Diabetes Basics, Living Well with Diabetes, Diabetes and Nutrition, and Insulin Start.

For more information about diabetes or pre-diabetes click here: Diabetes Prevention and Control

Insulin together with other lifestyle changes will help you control your diabetes for life- so get a new lease on life today.