UH Retreat Inspires Local Woman to Take Control of Her Type 2 Diabetes

Marylin Musselman’s mother and father developed type 2 diabetes, and just like them, she did too.

“My parents were dealing with terrible health problems associated with their diabetes, including poor circulation and foot infections. I was headed that way too, although I didn’t know there was really much of anything I could do,” she said. “In this case, ignorance wasn’t bliss.”

Her doctor prescribed Metformin, but that was the only health intervention she pursued. She gained weight, felt tired and suffered uncomfortable side effects of the medication.

Marylin is not unlike millions of others. It’s estimated that more than 38 million people in the U.S. have diabetes – the vast majority type 2. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention projects that approximately one-third of Americans will have diabetes by 2050 if current trends continue.

But in 2021, Marylin discovered and attended a Diabetes Wellness Retreat, hosted by the University Hospitals Diabetes & Metabolic Care Center, which changed the trajectory of her diabetes journey.

“That retreat was truly life-changing,” she said. “I learned so much that first day. I view it as the first day of the rest of my life.”

People with pre-diabetes, diabetes (both T1 and T2), and/or obesity can register for the half-day wellness retreat at no cost, with the goal of learning how to experience healthy living through self-care. The day features seminars, demonstrations, and activities focusing on important diabetes, prediabetes and obesity self-management. This includes education and management, health and wellness strategies, nutrition and physician activity, and goal setting and planning.

“Camaraderie and fellowship are one of the most important parts of our retreats,” said Betul Hatipoglu, MD, Chief of Endocrinology, Medical Director of the Diabetes & Metabolic Care Center, and the Mary B. Lee Chair in Adult Endocrinology at UH Cleveland Medical Center. “Participants are encouraged to engage with each other to discuss their own challenges, successes and anything else related to living with diabetes, prediabetes or obesity. We want everyone to know they’re not alone.”

“I was filled with so much hope to feel better and become healthier that I literally wept at the retreat,” said Marylin. “I dove into interventions I thought would help.”

Marylin signed up to be part of a diabetes study which provided her with a continuous glucose monitor and smart scale. She weighed herself every day and also learned how blood sugar acts moment to moment. This helped her to choose better dietary options and maintain a healthier weight. She engaged her primary care physician to be more involved in her management of diabetes, discussing new medication options. She switched from Metformin to another medicine which resulted in fewer side effects.

“Information is power,” she said.

“We’re thrilled to hear our team provided Marylin with not only tools to live a healthier life, but also hope,” said Dr. Hatipoglu. “Research has shown so many options for people with diabetes. With these retreats, we want to empower people and jump start their passion to implement changes that will start their journey of better managing their disease.”

Since attending that first retreat four years earlier, Marylin reduced her weight by 60 pounds and improved her A1C from 11 to 5 – no longer a diabetic number. She continues to work full-time and now, at 60 years old, participates on the dance team of a local professional sports team. The grandmother of two now looks forward to life and wants to share the story of her health turnaround with anyone it may help.

“UH as a whole has been so wonderful to work with. It’s not just the education and knowledge, but the support,” she said. “I want people to know you don’t just have to accept a diagnosis of diabetes and all of the problems that come along with it. There are so many things you can do to feel better, and they’re doable. You just may need some support along the way.”