Wayne's Story

“Wayne has lost 87 pounds. “I started at 294 and am now down to 207… well maybe 208 today since yesterday was my birthday,” he said with a laugh”

Back on Track — Diabetes patient takes control and creates a healthier lifestyle

When Wayne Carson was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2011, he was very frustrated. The 61-year-old St. Cloud man didn’t have the tools and knowledge to manage the disease.

But the CentraCare Diabetes Center armed Wayne with information about exercise, healthy foods and moderate portions. 

Wayne has lost 87 pounds. “I started at 294 and am now down to 207… well maybe 208 today since yesterday was my birthday,” he said with a laugh.

Staying on track requires dedication and willpower. Wayne has worked hard to choose whole grains, fruits and vegetables instead of mashed potatoes and macaroni. He prepares healthy recipes and works out five days a week. 

 “Once I hit 220 I thought I would call it a day, but now I’m feeling so much healthier that I want to keep going. I don’t have depression or anxiety anymore. Now I feel good all the time. My goal is to someday make it down to 186.”

Wayne is thankful for his lifestyle change and for the education and diabetes care he received from CentraCare Health. “I’m willing to do what it takes to be healthy,” he said. “I have to do it. I know too many relatives and friends who have died because they didn’t educate themselves or get help. I’m giving myself a chance and want to stick with it for the rest of my life because I want to live to an old age. My outlook on life is better. My interaction with people is better. Everything is just better.”

“I would like to thank CentraCare Health for giving me a chance,” Wayne said. “In order to learn and improve I needed to see it, hear it and respond to it. That’s exactly what they offered me – visuals, one-one-one learning and practice.”