A Health Journey to honor Diabetes Awareness Month
María del Rosario, a hard-working stay-at-home mom, often had spells of fatigue and dizziness, but being the busy person she was, she didn’t think much of it.
She didn’t know what these symptoms meant, and for a while she tried brushing them off, until one day, her doctor delivered a wake-up call diagnosis: Prediabetes.
It was in that moment that she knew she had to do something to improve her health, but she didn’t know where to start. She felt she had never learned to maintain a healthy lifestyle before. That’s when her doctor referred her to St. Vincent de Paul, and she found support and mentorship at the Ben & Catherine Ivy Center for Family Wellness.
The Ivy Center’s Diabetes Prevention Program uses a simple two-sided approach combining nutrition education and exercise guidance. For María, the emphasis on balance was what pushed her to make lasting change.
“They taught me how to keep everything balanced—vegetables, proteins, and carbs—and how important it is to pair good nutrition with regular exercise,” she said.
The program also highlighted the severe consequences of uncontrolled diabetes, such as heart disease, vision loss, and even amputations. These lessons motivated Maria to make better eating decisions.
María is very proud that she gained control over her sweet tooth, an achievement she once thought was impossible. Before her nutrition education, she would have sweet foods without thinking, but now she enjoys sweets moderately, like at celebrations.
María credited much of her success to the supportive environment at the Ivy Center. The staff, especially Jocelyn, Paulina, and the nutritionists, played an integral role in her journey.
“They’ve taught me discipline and motivated me every step of the way,” María said. “They care so much about us. They check on our progress and encourage us with love and patience.”
Beyond improving her own health, María has become an advocate for others in her community. She shares the lessons she’s learned with friends and family, encouraging them to adopt healthier habits.
“When people tell me about their struggles, I explain what I’ve learned here,” she said. “It feels good knowing I can help others too.”
Looking ahead, María hopes more people will discover the benefits of programs like those offered at the Ivy Center. She envisions these lessons being taught in schools to reach families early and prevent future health issues.
For those hesitant about joining the program, María offers heartfelt advice: “Come visit and see for yourself how much love goes into teaching here. They’ll guide you with nutrition, exercise, hydration—everything you need for better health.”
María’s story shows that it’s never too late to take control of your health, which is an important reminder during National Diabetes Awareness Month. With the right tools and encouragement, anyone can achieve lasting changes like María has. To her, this experience helped her transform her life.
“I feel alive again. Motivated and empowered,” she said. “I’m so grateful for everything I’ve learned here."
