It’s true that diabetes is not a curable disease, but a determined person can manage the disease and live a long, healthy life. One such person is Tess Radke.

A life long resident of Columbus Radke was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in November of 2009. "I was having dizzy spells and then I got scared. I figured I had either had vertigo or high blood pressure," said Radke.

Radke, at the urging of her family and co-workers, made an appointment with Dawn Faust, a Nurse Practitioner in the office of Dr. Bruce Kraus at Columbus Community Hospital (CCH). "I’m a stubborn one, so the persistence of my family and fellow employees was what got me to make that appointment."

After a battery of tests Radke learned she had Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure and her cholesterol levels were off. "When I heard the news it took my breath away—I thought it was a death sentence," Radke reflected. Faust went on to tell Radke that her diabetes was manageable and that the outcome was entirely up to Radke.

In shock, Radke set up an appointment with Renee Davis, CCH’s Diabetes Services Coordinator. Radke knew she didn’t eat well and had been told many times to lose weight, but she tuned out the message. She now feels that her negativity led to diabetes.

"I knew I was overweight but it really hit me when I saw myself described in my report as an obese, white female."

Radke, a grandmother newly diagnosed with diabetes said it was a wake up call. The former consumer of fast and/or processed food learned how to read labels and count carbohydrates. Radke gave up sweets completely and Jennifer Arendt, CCH’s dietician, taught her about better eating choices. As a result, Radke’s efforts have led to a 50-pound weight loss. Radke who describes herself as "not an aggressive exerciser" has taken up walking around her block and is determined to control her condition.

"I have a grandchild I want to play with and one on the way. I knew I had to take the initiative to make changes or I would miss out on their lives."

Radke is proud of her accomplishment and wants to inspire others. She is sharing her story in the hopes that others like her will take control of their condition. Her goal is to lose a total of 100 pounds and get off medication for blood pressure and cholesterol entirely.

"I feel good now, I have energy and my concentration has improved," says Radke. I want to tell everyone with diabetes that they can beat this with a positive attitude. You can live a long and healthy life but it’s entirely up to you."

Diabetes is a group of diseases marked by high levels of blood glucose, also called blood sugar, resulting from defects in insulin production, insulin action, or both. Diabetes can lead to serious complications and premature death, but people with diabetes can take steps to control the disease and lower the risk of complications.

According to the American Diabetes Association some diabetes symptoms include: frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, increased fatigue, irritability, and blurry vision. Persons having one or more of these symptoms should see a physician.

For more information about the Diabetes Services offered at Columbus Community Hospital, call Renee Davis at (920) 623-2200, Ext. 1244. A referral from the patient’s primary care physician is required in order to schedule an appointment with a Diabetes Services Coordinator.