‘Purdue Pursuits’: ‘Taking Control of My Diabetes’

Living with diabetes became Phillip Fiorini’s reality on Christmas Eve 2021.

It’s news nobody is truly prepared to hear, especially Fiorini, who became a Type 2 diabetic without a prior prediabetes diagnosis. But he refused to sit back and let the chronic disease govern the trajectory of his life, choosing instead to take a proactive approach in managing its effects on his body.

“Most people think it’s kind of a fait accompli — ‘I have diabetes; looks like I’m going to die at 57,’” says Fiorini, lead writer for executive communications in Purdue Brand Studio’s Office of Communications. “But there are ways to control it through diet and through learning a little bit more about how your body functions. And I think if you can understand the illness, then you can understand how to manage it.”

Just one month after his diagnosis, Fiorini began meeting with Megan Shidler, a dietitian at Purdue’s Center for Healthy Living (CHL). Her wide-ranging knowledge and personalized guidance laid the groundwork for Fiorini’s care plan, and together they mapped out his next steps, which included switching to a low-carb diet, exercising more and enrolling in the CHL’s “Taking Control of My Diabetes” program.

Led by Shidler and CHL registered nurse health coach Cheryl Laszynski, “Taking Control of My Diabetes” is a nine-week virtual lifestyle management course designed for those living with Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes or supporting someone with a diagnosis. Through presentations, open discussions and workbook lessons, the program helps participants better understand the intricacies of the disease while reinforcing healthy nutrition and wellness habits that aid in managing blood glucose.

For Fiorini, the program added solid structure to the foundation of knowledge he had already gained from his monthly meetings with Shidler.

It clarified complex concepts, like what happens in one’s body when it struggles to get rid of sugar, how medicine helps control blood glucose levels and why some carbs are healthier than others. And it offered him an in-depth, comprehensive look at the whole puzzle that is Type 2 diabetes, making it easier to understand how his own unique piece fits into it.

“It may sound cliche, but this program can be life-changing,” says Fiorini, whose family had a history of diabetes. “Before I was diagnosed, I was feeling pretty crummy at times. I was tired. I was drained. I was mysteriously and noticeably losing weight. I was experiencing unquenchable thirst — the classic Type 2 symptoms. But you can stop that from happening, and you can feel better. The course was really well prepared and well presented, and for me, it was fun to learn more about how my body works.”

In addition to learning more about Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, program participants also have access to CHL health care professionals, including pharmacists who are specially trained in medication therapy management. Those who are eligible can also receive glucose testing supplies at no charge, which they can continue to obtain after the program if they attend monthly meetings with a health coach.

Though more than three years have passed since Fiorini completed the program, he still consults with Shidler during monthly visits that earn him free test strips and lancets. But those supplies aren’t the sole reason he keeps coming back; it’s also the meaningful conversations in which the pair discuss anything from Fiorini’s health goals to creative ways he can shake up his breakfast routine.

Because if diabetes has taught Fiorini anything, it’s that there’s always more to learn.

All the insight and wisdom he’s acquired since his diagnosis will be advantageous as he embarks on his next pursuit: to become the longest-living Type 2 diabetic. And as someone who chooses to view a chronic illness as an asset rather than a setback, he’s already stacking the odds in his favor.

“My diabetes has been really good for me,” Fiorini says. “I view it as a blessing to be diagnosed because it’s forced me to think differently about my body, my health, my weight and my age.”

How you can participate

“Taking Control of My Diabetes” is free and open to all benefits-eligible employees (and dependents covered on a Purdue health plan) at West Lafayette, Indianapolis, Purdue Northwest and Purdue Fort Wayne.

The next session of the program begins May 21 and will be held on Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. until July 16. Those interested should register by May 11 via the Your Path Wellness Portal. To enroll, click the “Activities” tab on homepage, scroll down to the “Workshops” section and click the “Details” button in the “Taking Control of My Diabetes” box.

Participants will be required to take a pre- and post-program evaluation to measure their knowledge and beliefs and their level of satisfaction with the course.

Those living with Type 1 diabetes can meet monthly with a health coach but are not required to participate in the nine-week diabetes program to receive free glucose testing supplies.

Questions about the program can be directed to the CHL at 765-494-0111.