Diabetes Journey Acceptance CGM: How Tom Mitchell Transformed His Life at 72

This article shares a personal diabetes journey, including the acceptance of using a CGM, and educational information. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diabetes management plan.

When Tom Mitchell first learned about his type 2 diabetes diagnosis at age 67, he did what many seniors do – he ignored it. “I didn’t want my diabetes journey acceptance to begin because that meant admitting something was wrong,” he recalls from his sunny Florida living room. But today, at 72, Tom’s story of embracing CGM technology and taking control of his health inspires others facing similar struggles.

“If you’d told me five years ago that I’d be teaching other seniors about glucose monitors and actually enjoying managing my diabetes, I would have laughed,” Tom says, checking his CGM with practiced ease. “But here I am, healthier than I’ve been in decades.”

The Reality of Diabetes Denial

Tom’s diabetes journey acceptance didn’t begin with his diagnosis – it began with five years of denial that nearly cost him everything.

The Initial Diagnosis

The doctor said the words ‘type 2 diabetes,’ and I just… shut down,” Tom remembers. “I nodded, took the pamphlets, and threw them in the trash on my way out. I wasn’t ready to be ‘sick.'”

Like many seniors facing a new diabetes diagnosis, Tom initially struggled with acceptance. He continued his usual routines, avoiding blood sugar checks and dismissing his doctor’s recommendations. “I thought if I didn’t think about it, it wasn’t real,” he shares, shaking his head at the memory.

Common Signs of Diabetes Denial

Tom exhibited all the classic signs:

Avoiding Reality:

Skipping blood sugar checks (“What I don’t know can’t hurt me”)
Ignoring medication schedules (“I feel fine without them”)
Continuing unhealthy eating habits (“One more year won’t matter”)
Avoiding diabetes education classes (“I don’t need to sit with sick people”)
Making excuses for symptoms (“I’m just getting older”)

The Hidden Costs:

A1C climbing from 7.2 to 11.3
Weight gain of 40 pounds
Increasing fatigue and brain fog
Strained family relationships
Growing anxiety about health

“My wife Linda tried everything,” Tom admits. “She’d leave articles on my chair, cook healthier meals, suggest walks. I resented every bit of it. I see now she was trying to save my life.”

The Turning Point: When Reality Hits Home

It took a frightening episode to begin Tom’s true diabetes journey acceptance CGM transformation.

The Day Everything Changed

“It was my granddaughter Emma’s 8th birthday party,” Tom recounts, his voice dropping. “I was sitting on the couch, and suddenly I couldn’t remember her name. My own granddaughter. Then the room started spinning.”

His daughter Sarah found him confused and shaking, his blood sugar over 400 mg/dL. “The look of fear in Sarah’s eyes – that’s what broke through my denial. She thought she was losing her dad.”

The Hospital Wake-Up Call

During his three-day hospital stay, Tom faced harsh realities:

Near kidney damage markers
Early signs of neuropathy
Cardiovascular stress
Risk of vision problems

“The endocrinologist didn’t sugarcoat it,” Tom says. “She told me I had maybe two years before irreversible damage if I kept going. That’s when I knew my diabetes journey acceptance couldn’t wait any longer.”

Taking the First Steps

Tom’s path from denial to acceptance began with small, manageable steps:

Week 1: Admitting the Truth

“I sat Linda down and said the words out loud: ‘I have diabetes, and I

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need help.’ She cried. I cried. It was the beginning of everything changing.”

First Actions:

Called doctor for appointment
Started checking blood sugar (with finger sticks)
Attended first education class
Began food diary
Apologized to family

Week 2-4: Building Foundation

Working with his healthcare team, Tom learned basics:

Understanding blood sugar numbers
Recognizing how food affects glucose
Importance of medication timing
Value of physical activity
Power of support systems

“I was shocked to see my morning coffee with cream and sugar shot my blood sugar up 100 points,” Tom shares. “That was my first real ‘aha’ moment.”

Discovering CGM Technology

The game-changer in Tom’s diabetes journey acceptance CGM story came during a routine appointment.

The Introduction

“My doctor mentioned this thing called a CGM,” Tom recalls. “I immediately said no – too complicated, too expensive, too much technology. She smiled and said, ‘Medicare covers it, and it’s easier than your TV remote.'”

Overcoming Technology Fears

Tom’s Initial Concerns:

“I’m not good with gadgets”
“It sounds complicated”
“What if I break it?”
“I don’t want something attached to me”
“My flip phone is technology enough”

What Changed His Mind:

Seeing demo at senior center
Meeting other users his age
Learning about Medicare coverage
Sarah offering to help set up
Realizing finger sticks were harder

Embracing Technology for Better Control

“At first, I worried the CGM would be too complicated,” Tom admits. “But it’s actually made everything simpler. No more fingersticks, and my children can help monitor my readings through their phones.”

The First Month with CGM

Tom’s diabetes journey acceptance CGM experience transformed his management:

Week 1: Learning Curve

Applied first sensor with daughter’s help
Downloaded app on new smartphone
Practiced scanning throughout day
Discovered patterns never seen before

“I scanned that thing 50 times the first day,” Tom laughs. “Linda said I was like a kid with a new toy. But seeing those numbers in real-time was fascinating.”

Week 2: Eye-Opening Discoveries

Breakfast causing major spikes
Afternoon walks lowering glucose
Stress from news raising numbers
Late dinner affecting morning readings

Week 3: Making Changes

Switched to protein-heavy breakfast
Added daily 20-minute walks
Limited news to 30 minutes
Moved dinner to 5:30 PM

Week 4: Seeing Results

Average glucose dropping
Fewer spikes and crashes
More energy throughout day
Family noticing improvements

The Technology That Made Difference

Tom uses FreeStyle Libre 2, chosen for:

Simple scanning process
Clear display
14-day sensor wear
Optional alarms
Medicare coverage

“What I love most is the trends,” Tom explains. “I can see if I’m heading high or low before I feel it. It’s like having a diabetes coach on my arm.”

The Power of Family Support

Tom’s diabetes journey acceptance CGM success involved his entire family:

Linda’s Perspective

“For five years, I watched him decline and felt helpless,” Linda shares. “When he finally accepted help, I was ready. We learned about CGM together, and now it’s part of our routine.”

Daughter Sarah’s Role

“Dad asking for help was huge,” Sarah says. “I spent hours teaching him the smartphone basics so he could use the CGM app. Now he’s teaching his golf buddies!”

Grandchildren’s Involvement

“Papa’s ‘special sticker’ became normal quickly,” notes Tom. “Emma loves helping me scan it. She says it’s like Papa has superpowers to see inside his body.”

From Patient to Advocate

Tom’s transformation didn’t stop with personal success:

Sharing His Story

Speaks at senior center monthly
Helps others overcome technology fears
Demonstrates CGM application
Shares Medicare navigation tips
Leads support group

Community Impact

“Three guys from my golf league got CGMs after seeing mine,” Tom reports proudly. “We compare numbers on the course. Who would have thought diabetes management would become social?”

Teaching Others

Tom’s diabetes journey acceptance CGM experience helps others through:

Simple explanations of technology
Honest discussion of denial phase
Practical tips for family involvement
Medicare coverage guidance
Emotional support for newly diagnosed

The Numbers Tell the Story

Tom’s health improvements after diabetes journey acceptance CGM adoption:

Before CGM (Age 67-71):

A1C: Started 7.2, peaked at 11.3
Average glucose: 280 mg/dL
Weight: Gained 40 pounds
Energy: Constant fatigue
Mood: Depressed and withdrawn

After CGM (Age 72):

A1C: Currently 6.8
Average glucose: 145 mg/dL
Weight: Lost 35 pounds
Energy: Active and engaged
Mood: Optimistic and social

Beyond Numbers:

Travels confidently
Plays with grandchildren
Enjoys hobbies again
Strengthened marriage
Became community leader

Lessons from the Journey

Tom’s diabetes journey acceptance CGM story offers valuable insights:

For Those in Denial:

Denial is normal – but temporary denial shouldn’t become permanent
Family wants to help – let them in when you’re ready
Small steps count – you don’t have to change everything at once
Technology helps – CGM makes management easier, not harder
It’s never too late – Tom started at 71 and transformed his life

For Family Members:

Be patient – pushing too hard can increase resistance
Stay available – be ready when they’re ready
Learn together – make it a team effort
Celebrate progress – acknowledge every positive step
Share concerns with love – fear-based tactics rarely work

For Healthcare Providers:

Meet patients where they are – denial is part of the process
Introduce technology gently – address fears directly
Involve family – with patient permission
Use peer examples – stories like Tom’s inspire
Emphasize Medicare coverage – remove financial barriers

Overcoming Common Obstacles

Tom faced every obstacle in the diabetes journey acceptance CGM process:

“I’m Too Old for Technology”

Challenge: Fear of smartphones and apps Solution: One feature at a time, family support Result: Now helps others with technology

“It’s Too Expensive”

Challenge: Assumed CGM wasn’t affordable Solution: Learned about Medicare coverage Result: Pays $0 with Medicare + supplement

“I Don’t Want to Be Different”

Challenge: Stigma of medical devices Solution: Found others using CGM Result: Proud CGM advocate

“My Diabetes Isn’t That Bad”

Challenge: Minimizing condition severity Solution: Honest look at numbers and risks Result: Proactive management approach

“I’ve Failed Before”

Challenge: Previous unsuccessful attempts Solution: CGM provided accountability Result: Sustained success for over a year

Advice for Starting Your Journey

Based on his diabetes journey acceptance CGM experience, Tom offers:

If You’re Newly Diagnosed:

“Don’t waste five years like I did. Diabetes doesn’t go away by ignoring it. But with tools like CGM, it’s completely manageable. You can live a full, wonderful life.”

If You’re in Denial:

“I get it. I was there. But your family needs you healthy. Your grandkids want you at their graduations. That CGM on your arm? It’s not a sign of sickness – it’s a badge of taking control.”

If You’re Considering CGM:

“Stop considering and start doing. Medicare covers it. Your doctor will help. Your family will support you. The technology is simpler than you think. I promise, if I can do it, you can too.”

If Your Loved One Has Diabetes:

“Be patient but persistent. Share stories like mine. Offer to learn together. Make it about love, not fear. And when they’re ready, be their biggest cheerleader.”

The Ripple Effect

Tom’s diabetes journey acceptance CGM transformation created waves:

Personal Impacts:

Marriage stronger than ever
Closer relationships with children
Active role in grandchildren’s lives
New friendships through advocacy
Sense of purpose in retirement

Health Impacts:

Avoided kidney damage
Reversed neuropathy symptoms
Improved cardiovascular health
Better mental clarity
Increased physical stamina

Community Impacts:

15+ seniors started CGM
Support group thriving
Senior center education program
Golf league “CGM club”
Church health ministry involvement

Looking Forward

At 72, Tom’s diabetes journey acceptance CGM story continues:

Current Goals:

Maintain A1C under 7
Help 50 seniors get CGM
Travel with Linda worry-free
See grandchildren graduate
Stay active and engaged

Daily Routine:

Morning CGM check with coffee
Healthy breakfast (no more sugar spike!)
Walk with Linda
Golf with CGM buddies
Evening family video calls
Bedtime glucose check

Message of Hope:

“Five years ago, I thought diabetes would limit my life. Now I realize accepting it and using tools like CGM has actually expanded my life. I’m healthier, happier, and more connected than ever.”

Your Journey Can Begin Today

Tom’s diabetes journey acceptance CGM transformation shows it’s never too late to:

Accept your diagnosis
Embrace helpful technology
Involve your family
Improve your health
Inspire others

“Every journey begins with a single step,” Tom concludes. “For me, that step was admitting I needed help. The CGM was the tool that made the journey possible. Medicare made it affordable. My family made it meaningful. And now? I’m living proof that acceptance leads to empowerment.”

Taking Action

Inspired by Tom’s diabetes journey acceptance CGM story? Here’s how to start:

Acknowledge where you are – denial, acceptance, or somewhere between
Talk to your doctor – about CGM options and Medicare coverage
Involve your family – support makes everything easier
Take one small step – even checking blood sugar once is progress
Consider CGM – let technology help your journey

Remember Tom’s words: “The hardest part isn’t learning the technology or changing habits. The hardest part is admitting you need to. Once you do that, everything else falls into place.”

Need Help Starting Your Diabetes Journey?

Our specialists understand the path from denial to acceptance and can help you explore Medicare-covered CGM options.

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Let Tom’s story inspire your own transformation!