“I did not want to die. I did not want to lose my limbs.”

Adrenna Shipman, a mother of twin daughters and a son, found herself in a bad place in 2021. She contracted COVID, landed in the hospital, and while she was in the hospital she also found herself battling ketoacidosis – a life-threatening complication of diabetes.

“I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t function. I told myself if I come out of this all right, I will be a better diabetic,” Adrenna recalls. “I want to be there for my kids. And, I don’t want to lose fingers. I don’t want to lose limbs.”

Adrenna has a family history of diabetes, including an uncle who lost a leg. So, once she got out of the hospital she was ready for big lifestyle changes.

“I quit drinking regular Pepsi. I stopped snacking in the middle of the night,” she explains. “I used to wake up at two or three in the morning and eat muffins and cookies and chips, but I decided – No. I now have a piece of fruit before bed and keep a bottle of water or maybe iced tea next to my bed.”

It hasn’t been easy, but it’s working. Adrenna feels better, has more energy, she’s lost 25 stubborn pounds, and has been able to reduce her medications. Her healthier habits have also meant her children are eating healthier too. Their kitchen is now stocked with healthy options and candy is a rare treat.

Adrenna gives much credit to Neighborhood Health Center Nurse Practitioner Janette Evans who has been there for her on this journey to better health, including when Adrenna was in the hospital last year.

“I don’t think she even realizes how much she’s changed my life,” Adrenna smiles as she talks about Janette. “She gave me what I needed to save my life. And, every time I come into the doctor’s office, she’s there cheerleading me on.”

“I am extremely impressed with Adrenna and her dedication to improving her health,” says Janette. “She has worked very hard and it has shown in her results.”

It’s a journey that continues. Adrenna is working towards a day when she can be completely off medications. She now talks with friends and relatives with diabetes about what has worked for her, and stresses the importance of having a provider you feel comfortable with, who will listen to your concerns.

“Be open with your doctor. For example, some of the diabetic pills are huge, and I know some people don’t want to take big pills. If that’s your concern, talk to your doctor about it. There may be other options but you won’t know if you don’t discuss it,” explains Adrenna. “If a pill isn’t working, talk to your doctor and say, ‘This isn’t helping me. Can we look at something different?’.”

There are good days and bad days on this journey. It’s the end goal that keeps her going.

“I’m going to be there for my kids. I’m going to beat diabetes.”