Living with diabetes can feel like a lot to manage, but you don’t have to handle it alone. With the right tools, support, and our Diabetes Management Program, you can take charge of your health and feel confident in your care.
During a recent virtual health talk, April Wiles, RDN, dietitian and Director of Clinical Nutrition Services at UNC Health Appalachian, and Dana Brackney, CDCES, nurse, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and professor at Appalachian State University, shared their insights and answered questions about what it’s like to manage diabetes day to day.
Both April and Dana are part of our Diabetes Management Program at the Paul H. Broyhill Wellness Center. The program helps participants learn how food, activity, medication, and even stress can affect blood sugar — and how small, steady changes can make a big difference. While factors like family history, age, weight, and blood pressure can increase risk, early detection and a made-for-you care plan can make all the difference.
“Diabetes is a very manageable disease.”
That’s the first thing April tells her patients.
“Most people are able to work with their providers and live well with diabetes,” she explained. “You don’t have to give up everything you love. We can work with your lifestyle. We can help you figure out how to enjoy your favorite foods, but at the same time, how to make sure you're getting a well-balanced diet that is supporting your efforts to control your glucose rather than sabotaging them.” Diabetes doesn’t have to take over your life. With the right guidance (and a little patience), you can absolutely get it under control.
Dana shared the same reassurance. “One of the first things I want people to know is that diabetes doesn’t have a single cause,” she said. “People often blame themselves, but it’s not your fault. There are multiple factors involved, and we start by figuring out what’s really going on with your body.”
Diabetes and GLP-1s (i.e. Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro)
If you’ve seen the commercials or celebrity headlines, you know GLP-1s are everywhere. But what’s the real story? “They can be a helpful tool,” April said. “But they’re not a magic bullet.”
She explained that these medications can lower blood sugar and help with weight management, but they can also affect your appetite. “It’s easy to forget about good nutrition when you’re not hungry,” she said. “You still need a balanced diet and nutrition education. These medications work on your brain, your gut, your digestion — and you can’t rely on hunger cues alone.”
Dana added, “GLP-1s are really just hormones. For many people with obesity, it’s a hormone imbalance, similar to when someone needs thyroid medication because their thyroid isn’t working properly. GLP-1s help regulate things like appetite and insulin, replacing what the body isn’t doing on its own. That’s why working with a dietitian or diabetes educator matters so much — to make sure you’re eating well and keeping your muscles strong while the medication helps your body get back in balance.”
Plant-based, Keto, or just balanced?
When the topic turned to food, both experts agreed: there’s no one-size-fits-all diet. “There’s lots of evidence that supports plant-based eating,” Dana said. “Not everyone’s ready for that kind of change but even starting with a few plant-based days a week can make a difference.” A plant-based diet focuses on eating mostly foods that come from plants such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, while limiting or avoiding animal products.
April agreed but added nuance. “I think a primarily plant-based diet is great,” she said, “but I’m not opposed to including lean animal proteins, especially in the morning when your body’s working to build muscle. There’s no one perfect diet. The goal is to find what works for your lifestyle.”
Their approach was flexible and realistic. “We’re not here to tell you what to do,” Dana said. “You’re the captain of the ship. We’re just here to give you good information so you can make informed decisions.”
Gestational diabetes
The conversation also touched on gestational diabetes and how it can affect women later in life. “Yes,” April said, “there is an increased risk of type 2 diabetes once someone has had gestational diabetes. But it’s not a sure thing. A balanced diet, exercise, and paying attention to your overall health can make a huge difference.” Dana added, “The risk is often tied to weight gain later in life. Even small behavior changes, like walking 10 minutes after meals or making your biggest meal at lunchtime, can have a big difference.”
Four times to ask for help
Before wrapping up, Dana shared one final reminder, “There are four times when it’s especially important to get diabetes education and support — when you’re first diagnosed, when your medication changes, when your life situation changes, or when your blood sugar starts trending in the wrong direction. That’s where our support comes in.”
Their biggest takeaway? You don’t have to face diabetes alone. As April put it, “We want to help people live with diabetes more effectively and make their lives better, not harder.”
