Approximately 29 million people in the United States have diabetes. Luther Nesbitt, III, is determined not to be counted in that number.

Seven years ago, Luther was in a hospital undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. The many tests performed for his cancer treatment also yielded information regarding his elevated blood sugar. He was referred to a family doctor to learn more about diabetes.

“I talked to my doctor and learned that my A1C was above normal at 6.5 and I needed to get that down,” said Luther. The normal range for an A1C reading is 5.7 or below, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Luther’s A1C numbers were ranging between 6.5 and 5.8. Luther was given the news that he was in a “pre-diabetes” state, but if not properly managed, it could become diabetes.

Knowing that diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease, Luther was also introduced to nephrologist Dr. McGee. Dr. McGee wanted to ensure that Luther’s kidney function was protected, so he referred Luther to REACH Kidney Care of Upstate South Carolina.

“I think REACH Kidney Care is a real good program,” said Luther. “If people take it seriously, it will help keep them off of dialysis.”

The REACH team explained to Luther that diabetes can be managed through diet and exercise. Luther already saw the value in diet and exercise and took every word to heart.

“I see some of my friends who have diabetes. They are still eating donuts and I tell them that it is not good for them. I ask them to go work out, and they’d rather sit and watch television. One friend with diabetes didn’t take care of himself. He’s now an amputee and he’s on dialysis,” said Luther. “I see this and it motivates me to eat right, work out and stay off dialysis.”

At 66 years old, Luther has enrolled at the Spartanburg Community College where he is studying to be an EMT. His retirement from the Michelin Tire Company after 32 years has only given him time to pursue more interesting activities. He’s already mastered the bass guitar and now he’s working on the lead guitar. This husband, father and grandfather won’t be found sitting around. He is determined to avoid diabetes and enjoy a full, productive life.

Helen Bennett had her first REACH Kidney Care appointment in July 2016.  When the REACH team in Spartanburg met Ms. Bennett, her vision was significantly diminished. She told the team that she had to use a magnifying glass to write in her journal. As her new REACH care coordinators began discussing Helen’s kidney health with her, she became teary eyed at the thought of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) being another health obstacle she may have to face.

“We began to encourage and educate her with strategies to help prolong her kidney function,” said Caterrace Moore, BSN, RN, REACH Kidney Care of Spartanburg Care Coordinator. “We taught her about her diet and blood pressure and how she can monitor these on her own, in between doctor appointments. We were also able to explain to her how high blood sugar can cause significant vision problems in adulthood.”

Ms. Bennett quickly began to follow her new health plan. Because of REACH Kidney Care, she shared that she feels more responsible for monitoring her health. She now checks her blood pressure and blood sugar daily and is more aware of her daily diet choices.

“Although, I struggle with my new diet some days, it is a lifestyle change and I am already eating better now than I have in the past. I am thankful for the educators, dietitian, and employees of the REACH program because they have helped me achieve a better lifestyle,” Ms. Bennett shared.

Ms. Bennett is also thankful for her daughter, Jordan, who, she said, has been her rock. Jordan has helped her mother with health changes, organized her care, and transported her to many of her appointments.

“I do not know what I would do without her,” Ms. Bennett said.

“The relationship between Jordan and her mother is one of a kind,” added Caterrace. “Together, they have pulled through various trials that have strengthened their bond. Jordan is her biggest advocate.”

The REACH Kidney Care of Spartanburg team is pleased to report that Ms. Bennett’s blood sugar is now more controlled and her vision has improved enough to the point where she can drive again. In addition, Caterrace shared that Ms. Bennett seems happier.

“It has been exciting to see Ms. Bennett’s health improve over the course of her appointments,” said Caterrace. “At REACH, we get to walk alongside our patients as they navigate a new frontier. It is a privilege to be able to provide hope for people as they face kidney disease.”

“I am thankful I have my care coordinators at REACH so that I don’t have to go through kidney disease alone,” concluded Ms. Bennett. “And now, more than ever, I am appreciative of my health.”

Mr. Meadows is a pleasant, hardworking 44-year-old man who just happens to have IGA nephropathy. IGA nephropathy is a rare form of kidney disease where the kidneys become inflamed and unable to filter properly. In 2005, Mr. Meadows began to see Dr. Muhammad Ebrahim, a kidney doctor in Spartanburg. Although they were able to maintain his kidneys functioning for more than ten years, in October of 2016, Dr. Ebrahim referred Mr. Meadows to REACH Kidney Care of Spartanburg to learn more about treatment options as his kidneys began to fail.

“REACH Kidney Care taught me four important things,” Mr. Meadows began. “The importance of maintaining my blood pressure, the value of a balanced diet, and the benefit of exercising and educating yourself about kidney disease.”

Over the last decade, Mr. Meadows has valued meeting people with similar kidney health issues. When he was referred to REACH Kidney Care, he said his hope that he can live well was renewed, even if he needed to go on dialysis before receiving a kidney transplant. “REACH Kidney Care has given me a new understanding of what my disease is,” Mr. Meadows shared. “Now I know what the process of signing up and receiving a transplant looks like. I don’t have to be afraid of getting blindsided by new information, I know what to expect. Really, it was the one-onone education that I needed.”

Mr. Meadows has been to the Charlotte Healthcare System Transplant Center several times now. The transplant team believes he is a good candidate and is very hopeful that he will receive a transplant before he needs dialysis. However, if he does need dialysis, his REACH Kidney Care team has already taught him the differences between peritoneal and hemodialysis and the value of a fistula.

Whether he goes on dialysis or receives a transplant, he knows his  EACH Kidney Care team is there to support him in every stage of his kidney disease journey. Mr. Meadows plans to continue working full time, and he has a supportive wife and two daughters and who he says “make life worth living to the fullest.”