Army Veteran Leketia Webb has been on a 10-year journey to control her diabetes.

She first noticed symptoms of always feeling thirsty and frequent urination, typical in a diabetic patient. She was initially diagnosed with insulin resistance and placed on medications, but her blood sugar levels did not improve leading to her diabetes diagnosis.

In the beginning, Webb was in denial about her disease. Even though she had a family history of diabetes, she did not change her lifestyle. Due to a doctor’s recommendation for her husband to try a 90-day plant-based diet, she tried it and witnessed her levels decreased dramatically. She realized her diet was a key factor in managing her diabetes.

She began using the services of the James A. Haley VA’s Women’s Center for her health care five years ago and says coming to VA helped her tremendously. Prior to enrolling, she only saw her health care provider every 90 days.

Female Army Veteran

Leketia Webb

“Now successfully controlling the disease.”

The Women’s Center monitored her much more closely, checked her A1C monthly and made adjustments as necessary. Her primary care physician recommended further investigation with diabetic specialists, classes and regularly scheduled appointments to begin the process of managing the disease.

Dr. Ashleigh Joseph, Women’s Health Clinical pharmacy specialist, began working with Webb. They discussed diet and exercise and focused more on what was helping.

Joseph describes her relationship with Webb as a journey. “We began with a medication approach, but with time that changed to a multifaceted approach adding lifestyle changes to get to the point where Ms. Webb is now successfully controlling the disease.”

Webb felt the turning point was when she met Joseph. “I felt that it all changed when I met her. She heard me. The conversation changed from ‘Just take this medication or this medication and follow the standard regimen,’ to my doctor listening to me. This is what helped me the most. It made me stop and reflect. It is a manageable disease as long as I do what I need to do.”

Enjoys cooking and eating with family

Webb now exercises and prepares all of her food at home. She also has cut out all processed foods and preps a lot of food when she knows she will be on the go.

Joseph says this journey has been a lesson for her as well. “I met someone where they are in life and when they are ready to make changes. She listens to her body more, being mindful of the cues her body gives her. It is great to see her take a look inward. The ultimate self-care. It has been wonderful to witness the transformation.”

Everything finally clicked for Webb when she found some sustainable lifestyle and nutrition habits that work well for her and her entire family. She and her family enjoy cooking and eating together. These habits can last for a lifetime.

“If you use the resources the VA provides and you work together with your providers, it will work for you,” Webb said.

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8 Comments

  1. Raymond Thomas January 21, 2023 at 18:24

    Nothing is better that proper diet and exercise, in my experience. The medications all have their side effects. I use 2000 grams of cinnamon to help keep my A1c at prediabetic ranges. Consult your doctor to see if it is right for you.

  2. Douglas January 19, 2023 at 23:08

    You are full of it it’s not necessarily A plant-based diet

  3. Don Lape January 19, 2023 at 19:20

    Is there a way that this program could be offered to all diabetic veterans? Maybe offer it in a zoom meeting and or YouTube videos.

  4. Linda Kiley January 19, 2023 at 18:51

    Is the VA pharmacy able to get the meds munjaro or Olympic? Express scripts has been unable to get since November and neither has all civilian pharmacies. Have not had a injection since mid December. Don’t know what Urlacher? U want

  5. darrell mcgraw January 18, 2023 at 19:45

    I need help with my diabetes.

  6. Theodore Thomas January 18, 2023 at 13:15

    I would like to know more about this veteran’s diet. Can you put me in contact with someone who can help m

    Thank You

  7. Gregory Graley January 18, 2023 at 09:36

    Yes, you can reverse Type 2 Diabetes. I did 3 years ago. Lost 80 pounds in the process. Off all my medications, and A1C went from 11.0 to 5.5. Lifestyle change by Intermittent Fasting, and a modified Keto diet. I have been a diabetic for over 15 years, and the next step for me was insulin shots. I researched and finally figured it out.

    • BISHOP January 20, 2023 at 19:39

      WOW NOW THAT IS REALLY REALLY GREAT WE ALL HAPPY FOR U NOW WILL YOU PLEASE SHALL THAT INFORMATION WITH US THANK YOU

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