Transforming Life with Diabetes: Abe Ngoma’s Story
Abe Ngoma, a dedicated middle school math teacher and enthusiastic marathon runner and cyclist based in Houston, TX, faced a life-altering moment two decades ago when he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Known among friends as a “candyholic,” Abe was compelled to make significant dietary changes after learning about his condition, particularly after seeing the toll diabetes had taken on his relatives. While he initially managed his diabetes through conventional methods, everything shifted dramatically when he encountered a commercial for a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) in 2020.
Thinking back on his diagnosis, Abe remembers the shock he felt; he had always maintained an active and healthy lifestyle. Nevertheless, with a family history of diabetes looming over him, he understood the risks. His doctor’s initial recommendation was metformin, which helped keep his diabetes under control for some time. However, by 2011, Abe noticed troubling symptoms like weight loss and dizziness during his activities, signaling that his diabetes was becoming more challenging to manage.
When the suggestion for an insulin pump arose, Abe was hesitant. He felt it wouldn’t mesh well with his active routines. Instead, he and his doctor decided on a plan that included three different types of insulin, which he adhered to for several years. The real turning point in his management came during the pandemic when he discovered Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 2 continuous glucose monitor through various advertisements. Curious about its potential, he brought it up with his doctor and opted to give it a shot.
The introduction of the CGM was revolutionary for Abe, offering him deeper insights into how his body reacted to different foods and empowering him to make smarter dietary choices. He learned that some items he thought were harmless were, in fact, provoking spikes in his glucose levels. Armed with this new knowledge, Abe fine-tuned his nutrition to optimize his energy for long bike rides, discovering the best times and types of food to enhance his performance.
With the assistance of the CGM, Abe no longer has to rely on guesswork regarding his glucose levels or interrupt his cycling to perform finger pricks. The device proactively alerts him when his levels drop, allowing him to address the situation before it escalates. This newfound clarity has enabled him to decrease his insulin usage significantly, sometimes going several days without needing it at all.
Reflecting on his journey, Abe wishes that he had found the CGM earlier but is thankful for the transformative effect it has had on his life. With improved diabetes management, he feels empowered to embrace life to the fullest and chase his passions without the constraints he once faced. The CGM has truly reshaped his existence, allowing him a level of freedom and control he had never imagined possible.
