Rick Becker: Type 2 Diabetes Success Story
Rick was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at age 31 with an A1c of 12%. At the time, he was living in Florida, weighed 379 pounds and was in kidney failure, requiring dialysis. Although his kidney disease was being treated, he was not referred to key specialists such as an eye doctor or podiatrist, nor was he given the support needed to make lasting lifestyle changes around healthy eating and exercise.
As a result of diabetes complications, Rick developed serious foot problems and is now legally blind. He believes his vision loss may have been preventable if he had received earlier education about the risks of diabetes and care from providers with a more complete understanding of the disease.
After moving to Massachusetts, Rick began receiving care at UMass Memorial, where he later underwent a kidney transplant. He credits his care team for taking a coordinated, personalized approach to his health. His providers communicate closely with one another and with his primary care physician, giving him care tailored to his needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Nurse practitioner Nancy Sidhom helped Rick adopt a healthy eating plan that he describes as realistic and sustainable. The changes stabilized his blood sugars, including overnight, when he had been having major issues. Nearly 30 years after diagnosis, he maintains an A1c at or below 7%.
Rick says Nancy taught him moderation and portion control and encouraged him to keep a journal tracking what he eats, how much insulin he needs for different foods and how those foods affect his blood sugar. He still brings that journal with him when he goes out to eat and says it remains an important tool in managing his diabetes.
He tries to exercise six days a week and believes even small improvements in eating habits, paired with regular physical activity, can make a meaningful difference.
Type 2 diabetes runs strongly in Rick’s family. He has six brothers and six sisters, and nine of them also have T2D. His father is of American Indian descent, and Rick has long felt connected to that heritage. Despite his visual impairment, he continues to make Native American crafts as a hobby, relying on muscle memory.
Rick’s story is a reminder that it is never too late to make changes that can reduce the risk of future complications, and that even in the face of serious health challenges, it is still possible to continue doing the things you love.