12/19/2025
Norma Dinsesmore is a busy woman who loves spending time with her family. In April, during what she expected to be a routine checkup, Norma received surprising news that her blood work revealed a borderline A1C, close to the level where insulin might be needed.
While her doctor suggested starting medication, Norma was concerned about potential side effects. A friend recommended reaching out to the Hannibal Regional Diabetes Center, so Norma attended a community meeting they were hosting. After the meeting, she met with Registered Nurse & Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, Jamie Cook. Norma brought a list of questions, all of which Jamie helped answer. She learned what to eat, when to eat, and how to set and achieve realistic health goals.
Norma shares, โAfter meeting with Jamie, I had so much more knowledge and answers. I was prepared to start making lifestyle changes and working toward my goals. I began checking my glucose levels, keeping a food diary, and even working on strength exercises.โ
After three months of these lifestyle changes, Norma had her A1C checked and was thrilled to see it had decreased significantly. She continued working with the Diabetes Center, meeting one-on-one with Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Education Specialist, Olivia Rees. Together, they reviewed health goals and set new ones, including losing weight and getting her A1C below the prediabetic range. She also learned more about strength exercises to support her health.
Three months later, Normaโs A1C was rechecked, and she was elated to discover she was almost completely out of the prediabetic range. Her primary care provider was both surprised and impressed on how much she has been able to get her A1C down without the help of any medication. Norma continues to live a healthy lifestyle that allows her to spend time on the floor playing with her toddler great-grandkids and spending time with her loving family.
Norma encourages others to reach out to a dietitian, no matter what stage they are at with diabetes, โI was reluctant at first to seek help, but once I started talking to other people about my health, I felt like I needed to make a move. The Hannibal Regional Diabetes Center team really cares, and every time we met, they knew exactly what goals I was working on and had so many resources to help me succeed. I want people to know that they can make a change too. You will be surprised how small changes in your daily life can make a big positive impact on your health.โ
Hannibal Regional Diabetes Center offers a Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT) program recognized by the American Diabetes Association. This program helps individuals learn to manage diabetes through healthy eating, staying active, monitoring blood sugar, and reducing the risk of complications. Both individual and group sessions are available, and many insurance plans cover these services. To learn more or schedule an appointment with a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, call 573-629-3382.
