It was just six months ago when Spryfield native Stephen Kennedy got the diagnosis from his family physician: he had type 2 diabetes.  When he heard the news, there was one thing he had on his mind, he “didn’t want to go on the needle.”  In other words, he does not want to take insulin.

Stephen knew he had to make some big lifestyle changes but he didn’t know where to start. Fortunately for him, one of the pharmacists at his local pharmacy was a Certified Diabetes Educator and she stepped in to help him make the changes he needed to make. 

While counselling Stephen on his new diabetes pills, Noelle David mentioned to him that she could help him with the lifestyle changes he needed to make. Together, Stephen and Noelle developed an exercise program and a new eating plan that has had some remarkable results.

“I’ve lost 25 pounds,” says Stephen.  “It’s like losing a sack of potatoes off my stomach…and I’ve got my legs back.”

Stephen was having a hard time going up and down stairs before he made the lifestyle changes suggested by Noelle. He found his legs just couldn’t take a lot of everyday activities. Today he can climb up and down the stairs without any problem. Although his exercise routine involves mostly weight lifting and walking around an indoor track, he says he can now even run a few steps. This is something, he says, that he never even thought would be possible again.

Stephen tests his sugar levels every day and his results are getting better and better each day.

“It’s all coming together,” he says. “I wouldn’t be able to do this without Noelle.” 

He admits that it hasn’t been easy. An injury set him back a bit, but with Noelle’s constant support and coaching, he is staying on track.

He’s eating more vegetables and focusing on foods that are low on the glycemic index.

Now, Stephen is working on his next goal: to break the 200-pound mark. 

“I’m going to do it,” he says.  He likes to show off how big is clothing has gotten on him and how many holes he has to pull his belt in now.  And he’s talking about trying to convince his wife to go on a trip down south, now that he feels like he can go for walks on the beach.

Although, he may not be able to achieve his ultimate goal of “staying off the needle,” he is doing everything in his power to keep that from happening. 

When you ask Stephen about his community pharmacist, he is quick to tell you about she has had a huge impact on his life.

“She has been a godsent.”