Driving Out Diabetes

Lola works long hours in the fast food industry to support herself and her son. Though only 36 years old, she always feels tired. She was diagnosed with prediabetes five years ago. But it’s been two years since she last saw a doctor.

Lola was finally connected with University of Utah’s Wellness Bus. This mobile prevention program is part of the Driving Out Diabetes initiative funded by the Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation.

The Wellness Bus seeks to reduce chronic disease by providing health services and screenings for community members at no cost. At her first visit, Lola met with clinical dietician Alex Hernandez. Lola’s fatigue was so severe, she had trouble staying awake during the appointment.

This is where Lola's wellness journey began. At her first visit with the Wellness Bus, Lola received screenings that confirmed her blood glucose levels were still in the prediabetes range and her cholesterol was high. Since then, Lola has received regular one-on-one health coaching to keep her informed and motivated to make positive changes in nutrition, exercise, and goal setting.

She was also referred to low-cost clinics that accept patients without insurance and programs aiding individuals with food insecurity. She enrolled in the National Diabetes Prevention Program and participated in a Spanish-speaking cohort organized and led by the Driving Out Diabetes Initiative.

Today, Lola is feeling energized, lighter, and better overall. She has established primary care with a Spanish-speaking provider. She has experienced weight loss, lowered her cholesterol, and gone from prediabetes to blood glucose levels in the healthy, normal range.

Her success has had a ripple effect across her family. Having witnessed her transformation, her son is motivated to adopt healthier habits for himself.