Fung-Ping Siniakin was struggling with severe allergies and fibromyalgia, a debilitating syndrome that impairs the muscles and joints, when she was also diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
“I felt completely overwhelmed,” the 57-year-old Manalapan resident says. “Not only was I fighting constant fatigue, pain, and immobility from the fibromyalgia, but now I had another health issue to manage.”
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body is unable to make enough insulin or use it properly, causing glucose, or sugar, to accumulate in the blood.
“When you have type 2 diabetes, your body can’t handle the metabolism of glucose,” explains Saima Farghani, MD, a board certified and fellowship-trained endocrinologist on staff at CentraState. “While the disease is not curable, it is treatable.”
At the time of diagnosis, Fung-Ping’s sugar levels were dangerously high—about three times higher than normal. As a result, the diabetes exacerbated her fibromyalgia symptoms, leaving Fung-Ping exhausted and disheartened.
Getting Back on Track
Seeking help to manage her diabetes, Fung-Ping turned to CentraState’s Novo Nordisk Diabetes Center, where she met with a team of certified diabetes specialists, including a nurse and dietitian. They partnered with Dr. Farghani to develop a diabetes management program tailored to Fung-Ping’s unique needs.
“They were wonderful—answering my questions, teaching me how to monitor my glucose, and providing emotional support,” Fung-Ping says.
Fung-Ping’s treatment was especially challenging. Life-threatening allergies prevented her from using any oral diabetes medication and all but one type of insulin, which was initially administered through injection and later by an automated pump.
“I had to get on the right path through nutrition, because my life could depend on it,” she says.
Losing Weight, Gaining Control
With guidance from Dr. Farghani and the Diabetes Center, Fung-Ping modified her diet and lost 50 pounds by counting calories and carbohydrates, curbing portion sizes, and making smart choices when dining out. Within months, she lowered her blood sugar to a normal range, eliminating the need to take insulin. She is still battling fibromyalgia, but is breathing easier with less joint pain, more energy, and greater peace of mind.
“I feel healthier and in control of my diabetes,” Fung-Ping says. “If I can do this with all my health problems, others can, too!”
Learn more about the Novo Nordisk Diabetes Center by calling 732-294-2574.
