Dan Falcone
Type 2 Diabetes Success Story
Dan Falcone has a family history of type 2 diabetes. His father had T2D and eventually both he and his sister were diagnosed. Usually an upbeat and positive person, Dan struggled with his diagnosis. He experienced shock, fear, and sadness. "It was overwhelming at first and I didn't make the necessary changes right away," he admits.
After ten years of taking oral diabetes medication, his weight and A1c were both heading in the wrong direction. Dan was put on insulin by his primary care physician in Ohio, where he resides, but did not feel he was receiving the support necessary to get healthy.
Through a mutual childhood friend, Dan reconnected with his high school friend, David Harlan, MD. Dr. Harlan is co-director of the UMass Diabetes Center of Excellence, and is an internationally recognized diabetes clinician and researcher. Dan first travelled to Worcester a few years ago, and his diabetes is now under the care of Dr. Harlan. He's since lost 50 lbs (and counting) and his A1c dropped from above 11% to 6.7% . He's taking new combination of oral medications and a weekly Trulicity injection, but he is no longer on insulin!
Dan makes annual visits to Worcester and remains in constant contact with Dr. Harlan, who also stays in communication with his primary care physician in Ohio.
“I upload my blood glucose and my weight to the MyCareTeam app on a weekly basis,” says Falcone. “This way I am in regular communication with [Dr. Harlan].”
Wearing a Fitbit, Dan walks at least 10,000 steps every day, one of the lifestyle changes he's made since working with Dr. Harlan. He's highly motivated by the progress he has made. “I want to live,” Falcone shared. “My weight loss has been slow and steady, which makes it sustainable.” He's “enjoying the process” and can “feel a sense of accomplishment.” During the summer he enjoys daily outdoor walks, but also has a treadmill at home for the winter months.
Although he still enjoys his favorite foods, he does so in moderation. Dan has reduced his meal portions to “one sensible plate” and is conscious about what he eats. “I’m Italian, so I like my spaghetti & meatballs, but now I enjoy them once a month or every 6 weeks, as a treat.”
His job requires a lot of travel, both locally by car, and also by plane. “It’s a lethargic atmosphere, so I make sure to get up and walk several times each day.” As for eating at restaurants on the road, “It’s possible to make smart choices. Grilled food instead of fried. When I enjoy a cheat meal, I plan for it.”
Dan hopes his story will inspire others to make a change and improve their health. “If I can do it…anybody can!”