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Diabetic Weight Loss Success Stories

Common wisdom suggests that losing weight helps manage diabetes. According to Johns Hopkins, even losing just 5% of your body weight contributes to lowering blood sugar levels. We can help with diabetic weight loss, read on to learn how.

Profile Plan has helped many people take control of their diabetes and aid in diabetes prevention for those at risk. Recently, Sanford Health Plan (SHP) and Profile partnered to evaluate the effectiveness of Profile’s standard programming in reducing the costs for individuals with Type 2 Diabetes. Other participation criteria included having an overweight or obese BMI, taking metformin, and being prescribed at least two additional anti-diabetic agents. 

Average weight loss was 14.4 lbs. with an average BMI reduction of 1.8 points. Program engagement was high, with participants attending on average 29.4 coaching appointments. Read more about this intensive diabetic lifestyle intervention program.

If you are a Type II diabetic or pre-diabetic, Profile may be able to help you beat it. Keep reading to hear the inspiring diabetic success stories of three real Profile members.


1. Alex finds diabetic weight loss success with a Profile coach

Fifteen years. That’s how long Alex Verburg was on medication for Type 2 Diabetes. After making healthy lifestyle changes on Profile Plan, his doctor took him off all seven of his medications. With a new lease on life, Alex is all smiles.

Alex's Profile Journey : Attacking Type 2 Diabetes

After his remarkable transformation, he has much to be happy about. “I’m down 61 pounds, off all of my medications, and bought clothes in sizes I haven’t worn since high school*. Most importantly, I’ve learned that I can have a healthy relationship with food.”

Growing up, food meant a lot in his life. Through appointments with his Profile coach, Alex learned that he would have to change the way he viewed food if he wanted to make a lasting change.

“That was the most difficult part of my journey. I needed to be able to separate the food from the memories. I recognize it was my friends and family spending time together that was special – not just the food.” Many of his fondest childhood memories revolved around food. “Food was an important part of my family. Holidays and special events where we gathered around the table will always be something that I cherish.”

Profile is not a diet – it’s so much more. It’s a lifestyle change. It’s a journey. Profile has changed my life. I now have the tools to overcome years of bad habits. When I started this journey I could not have imagined where I am today.”


Ready to start prioritizing your health? Get started with a Free Health Consultation from Profile.

2. Dennis also sees diabetic weight loss success

When his weight peaked at 372 pounds, Dennis Adams was ready to make a change. “I was a Type II diabetic with an insulin pump giving me incredible amounts of insulin each day. I felt inhibited, so I said, ‘This is enough.’”

Before and After Photo - Weight Loss on Profile by Sanford - Dennis

He was headed for gastric bypass surgery when his doctor suggested Profile. “My wife said she would do it with me for eight weeks. Eleven months later, we both hit our goal.”

He lost 127 pounds, going from a 56-inch waistline to a 38. “My goal was never to be skinny. My goal was to be healthy. I consider that a victory.” His number one motivator was to attend his granddaughter’s college graduation. She’s in elementary school now.

“I realized I would have to live to be 84 and I wasn’t on track for that. I want to be there.”

Dennis then ran a 5K with his wife’s encouragement. Eleven years ago, their 27-year-old son passed away from genetic colon cancer. Their daughter had run a 5K in Washington in honor of her brother. Now healthy and able, Dennis joined her. “I was able to honor my son in a way I had never been able to. Crossing the finish line was euphoric. I can’t begin to describe it. It felt like such an accomplishment and my son was there with me the whole time. He would have been proud.”

One of the most poignant things about Profile, Dennis said, is how it dealt with his heart. “You deal with some realities,” he said. Dennis grew up relating food with love. “My mom would comfort me or celebrate with food – here’s a Coke, here’s ice cream, here’s a cookie. Breaking that relationship was really hard. It’s the emotional part of the journey.”


3. Preventing diabetes through healthy weight loss

Jennie Hoefer felt like a ticking time bomb. With a mother, grandmother, aunt, and uncle all living with diabetes, she worried that it was only time before the disease caught up with her too. The seriousness of her health became more real when she thought about her 8-year-old son Kasen and her husband Benjamin. “I want to be here for my son. He is the joy of my life. And I have the most wonderful husband in the world.”

Jennie Hoefer Lost 101 Pounds with Profile

Jennie made a commitment to her long-term health and joined Profile, a decision that has changed her mentality and outlook for the future. “I am no longer obese. I have great blood pressure and I’m being more active and enjoying my life. It’s amazing how I feel.”

Prior to starting the program, Jennie witnessed the medical implications of obesity firsthand. As an administrative assistant in the Sleep Lab for Sanford Health, Jennie saw overweight patients begin to use C-Pap machines to assist their breathing at night. She knew it wasn’t something she wanted for herself. “It scared me as my weight was going up and I could see myself in the future going on one of those machines. One of the causes of sleep apnea is obesity. Both of my parents are on the machine. I felt I had a huge target on my back for both sleep apnea and diabetes, and I didn’t want to be one of those people.”


We’re here for you – get started on your weight loss journey with a Free Health Consultation.


Let’s get you started on your lifestyle change!

See How It Works

Cauliflower BBQ Wings

This is a great take on a classic bar food. Try it out at your next gameday get together. These "wings" are perfect for air-frying as well.
Profile Cauliflower Wings
COURSE
Appetizer
CUISINE
American, Profile
INGREDIENTS
  • 2 Tbsp. Profile Sweet & Smokey BBQ sauce
  • 1 bag Profile Chips or Crisps of choice
  • ¼ head cauliflower chopped
  • ¼ cup egg whites
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees.
  2. Crush the chips in a shallow bowl.
  3. Soak cauliflower florets in egg whites.
  4. Press the cauliflower florets into the chip crumbs until well coated.
  5. Lightly spray air fryer basket with non-stick spray. Place the cauliflower florets in the air fryer and cook for 15 minutes. Toss every 5 minutes to ensure an even crisp.
  6. Toss with BBQ sauce or serve on the side.
NOTES
 Profile Exchange: 1 Profile Meal, 1 oz very lean protein, 1 cup vegetables, 1 flex food
 
KEYWORD
Air fryer recipes for weight loss, Cauliflower wings, Profile Swaps, Profile-approved wings, Wings

Shepherd’s Pie

A Profile take on the classic comfort food. This version swaps out the mashed potatoes for cauliflower. You won't even miss the potatoes! Flavorful and filling.
Profile Shepard's Pie Healthy, Low Carb Recipe
PREP TIME
10 mins
COOK TIME
25 mins
TOTAL TIME
35 mins
COURSE
Main Course
CUISINE
American, English
SERVINGS
8
INGREDIENTS
  • 1 Small Yellow onion
  • ½ Cup Chopped Carrots
  • 1 lb Ground Turkey
  • Salt and pepper
  • Garlic crushed
  • Worcestershire Sauce
  • 2 Cups of Mashed Cauliflower Prepackaged
  • 1/2 Cup of Shredded Cheddar Cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Preheat the oven to 350.
  2. Chop onion and carrots into bite sized pieces.
  3. Spray a pan with non-stock spray and toss in the onion and carrot until the onions are transparent.
  4. Add the ground turkey, salt, pepper, and garlic (Crushed), to taste. Cook until turkey is browned thoroughly.
  5. Spray a pie tin with non stick spray and add in the turkey mixture. Drizzle Worcestershire sauce over the filling
  6. Top the filling the cauliflower mash and spread evenly.
  7. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
  8. Bake for 25 minutes. Set broiler for 5 minutes to brown the edges of the cheese
NOTES

2 oz very lean protein, 1 cup vegetables, 1 fat

Serving Size=1 cup

Looking for more recipes?

KEYWORD
Cauliflower Rice, Low-carb swaps, Weight Loss Swaps

“Copycat” Crunchy Taco Sandwich

A delicious, healthy take on a fast-food favorite. The best part? You can skip the long drive-thru. Instead, make this quick meal and enjoy at home!
plated taco wrap meal
CUISINE
Mexican, Profile
INGREDIENTS
  • 1 Profile Pizza Crust
  • ¼ cup ground beef or turkey cooked and seasoned
  • ¼ tsp. cumin
  • ¼ tsp. paprika
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • ¼ cup shredded cheese
  • ¼ cup shredded lettuce
  • 2 Tbsp. diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp. fat-free sour cream
  • 1 tsp. olive oil
  • 4 large lettuce leaves
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Bake Profile Pizza Crust as instructed until crispy.
  2. Spread sour cream on pizza crust.
  3. Add half the shredded cheese.
  4. Top with a thin layer of taco meat.
  5. Add shredded lettuce and tomatoes.
  6. Top with remaining shredded cheese.
  7. Create a wrap with your lettuce leaves.
  8. Set the pizza crust inside.
  9. Carefully wrap the leaves around the crust and toppings.
  10. Enjoy!
NOTES
Profile Exchange: 1 Profile meal, 2 oz. lean protein, 2 fats, 1 flex food

KEYWORD
Healthy Crunchwrap Supreme, Healthy Stuffed Grilled Taco, Healthy Substitute Crunchy Taco, Healthy Tacos, Profile Crunchy Taco Sandwich

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