Participant Spotlight: Jill

Omada enrolls thousands of people every month, and each of those enrollees represent a relatable, interesting, and very personal story. Every Sunday with new enrollees means we are now responsible for guiding even more people (and their families) through a life-changing journey at a critical juncture for their health.

The stories behind those numbers are the most important part of the work we do. So, this year, we’ll be featuring at least one participant story every month. The hope is that bringing successful participant journeys to the forefront will inspire others, either to join Omada, or push through their struggles in the program.

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Even those working in healthcare aren’t immune to the dangers of type 2 diabetes. These individuals face the same pressures, barriers, and challenges to avoiding chronic disease as everyone else -- and sometimes, their high-stress professions make them even more susceptible to these conditions. Simply observing the effects of diabetes daily isn’t, in of itself, enough to avoid the disease.

That’s the situation that Jill, a 58-year old nurse from Midvale, Utah, found herself in two years ago. After consultation with her internist at Intermountain Healthcare, Jill learned she had prediabetes. But because her health system was working with Omada Health and the AMA, she was offered a few options.

Intermountain had offered an in-person diabetes prevention program for years, but the inflexibility of the weekly schedule made it nearly impossible for Jill as she worked three jobs and acted as the primary caregiver for her husband. She also had her doubts about a program that was delivered online. “I was 56 and discouraged by everything I’d tried in the past,” said Jill. “With my medical background, I thought I knew what I needed to do. I didn’t see how my computer and phone could be the things that got me to do it.”

Nonetheless, Jill dedicated herself to integrating Omada into her daily routine. “My goal was to keep balance between my jobs, caregiving, and Omada. My problem before was not having time to take care of myself, but the ease of the digital program available at my convenience made a difference. I found things really started to change.”

Soon, the program became an enjoyable outlet in the midst of Jill’s demanding life. “I was excited to log on daily, track, check my charts, and do the lessons. The support from my coach was especially helpful because I didn’t feel like I had that particular kind of support at home. I could have questions, and he would respond back quickly. I felt like the program was developed in a way that was realistic. The lesson content was awesome. It was timely, not lengthy, and always accessible online. To be able to do everything on my own time, and see progress that way, was something that I valued a lot.”

Jill began to see -- and feel -- the benefits of finding slivers of time for more activity. “It was a positive feedback loop. First, your clothes fit looser. Then, you have more energy to be more active. Your job and errands don’t leave you drained. And in turn, I wanted to move more.”

A year after her internist recommended Omada, she had an annual follow-up visit. For the first time since she could remember, Jill’s doctor didn’t recommend adding any medications to her regimine*. He recommended sticking with the same strategies that had brought such improvements in 12 months. 

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More than two years after starting Omada, Jill is focused on maintaining the weight loss she’s achieved and building on her healthy habits. She still weighs in regularly on Omada’s cellular-connected scale, and she makes sure to get her adequate step counts. She summed up her experience by stressing how easy it was to build Omada, and associated habits, into her daily routine. “It was so easy to navigate -- tracking meals and steps were a great jumpstart, and the scale and lessons are highlights. I didn’t think something this effective could fit into my life.”

 


* The results described in this testimonial are not typical for every individual enrolled in the Omada program.  Actual results will vary based on an individual’s physical health, diet, exercise, and other individual and demographic factors.