In the realm of health and wellness, one name stands out as a beacon of inspiration and empowerment for those navigating the complexities of diabetes—Diane Boyko Achatz. As a seasoned Diabetic Lifestyle & Habit Change Coach, Diane has dedicated her life to helping individuals not just manage their condition, but truly thrive in the face of diabetes. In this exclusive exploration, we delve into the profound impact Diane has had on the lives of those she coaches, uncovering the unique approach she brings to the table. From cultivating sustainable lifestyle shifts to fostering a mindset of resilience, Diane’s coaching transcends the conventional boundaries of diabetes management. Join Mystic Mag on a journey through the transformative power of habit change, as we discover how Diane Boyko Achatz is revolutionizing the diabetic experience.
Can you share a bit about your personal journey that led you to become a Diabetic Lifestyle and Habit Change Coach, specifically focusing on your passion for helping Type 2 diabetics over 50?
I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in January, and I vividly recall the date – January 30th, 2015. I was shocked and felt a sense of doom. The logical part of my brain kicked in, reminding me that my father had diabetes, and I was aware this was a possibility. However, as the years passed into my 40s, despite doctors warning me about insulin resistance and advising dietary changes, I paid little attention. You tend to think nothing can happen to you until it does.
As I grew older, the reality became scarier. Nevertheless, I managed to turn things around independently. I lowered my A1C, gained better control of my blood sugar levels, lost weight, and started exercising. This success inspired me to think that if I could do this for myself, I could do it for others my age and older. The diagnosis often comes in one’s 50s or older, and my passion shifted towards helping all Type 2 diabetics. My mission expanded to working with those who are insulin resistant or advised to watch their diet, aiming to prevent others from experiencing that diagnosis.
The decision was solidified when I kept encountering messages on my computer urging me to become a health coach. Seeing it repeatedly, I took it as a sign and discussed it with my husband. After registering for the coaching program, the messages ceased, reinforcing my belief that this was my purpose – a divine calling to help others.
Receiving a diabetes diagnosis from a doctor overwhelms the mind with concerns about managing, the future, diet, and where to seek help. Often, the patient can’t absorb much beyond the diagnosis due to the limited time doctors have with their patients. The experience is daunting and frightening, even if there was a prior awareness of the possibility.
In your coaching practice, how do you integrate a holistic approach to address not only blood sugar management but also overall well-being for your clients?
I am a strong believer in Western medicine because it has made remarkable strides in treating various diseases. However, I also believe in the body’s innate ability to heal itself. I am convinced that, with the right kind of food, movement, lifestyle changes, and mindset, healing can indeed occur. A positive mindset is crucial – when you believe you can achieve something, you are more likely to succeed. This is a key aspect I emphasize when working with clients.
In addition to mindset, I advocate for a food plan that includes whole, clean, seasonal foods. I encourage my clients to track their macronutrients, which proves to be highly beneficial. I also introduce sustainable, simple lifestyle changes because that’s what people want. It’s interesting because some individuals just want a quick fix, like taking a pill, but that approach doesn’t work for type 2 diabetes. However, there are numerous small, sustainable lifestyle changes that can be implemented, making it easier for individuals to cope with and manage their diabetes.
What type of services do you offer?
I offer various courses and can work with individuals in small groups or one-on-one. Additionally, my husband is a certified fitness trainer, specifically an elite fitness trainer. He enjoys working with older individuals, recognizing that with age, there can be challenges such as a loss of balance, reduced flexibility, or issues related to weight. This is an additional service we can provide – individuals can work with both of us. Furthermore, he is available for virtual sessions, assisting people online or in-person, wherever they are. Having a joint practice has always been our dream, and I see no reason to delay. I believe it’s time to put the information out there and let him contribute his expertise. My goal has consistently been to retire him from his day job so he can focus on building his practice. Considering the people who need our help are already out there, I’ve decided to incorporate this service into what we offer without further delay.
You mention balancing blood sugars and hormones in your coaching. Could you elaborate on the connection between hormonal balance and managing diabetes, especially for individuals over 50?
When discussing how blood sugar management affects hormonal balance, it’s crucial to understand the broader implications beyond the stereotypical gender-based hormone functions. In my coaching, I emphasize that hormones govern a myriad of bodily processes, not just our gender characteristics. There are over 200 hormones in the body. Estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, insulin, leptin, ghrelin and thyroid hormones are the most commonly known. These are linked closely to metabolism, as well as fertility and mood.
For individuals, particularly those over 50, who are managing diabetes, the balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in their diet is pivotal. This balance directly influences hormonal regulation. It’s not just about insulin, which is a key hormone affected by diabetes. Proper nutritional balance impacts various hormones that control metabolism, thyroid function, and even pancreatic health, particularly if the pancreas is still producing insulin.
Stress is another critical factor that can disrupt hormonal equilibrium. It’s not just psychological; physical stressors like inadequate sleep and insufficient movement also play a significant role. These elements collectively impact how individuals feel and function daily.
A significant aspect often overlooked is the health of the adrenal glands, and this is something to discuss with a primary care physician or an endocrinologist. These glands are extremely sensitive to dietary choices and physical activity levels. It’s important to note that movement doesn’t necessarily mean strenuous workouts at the gym. Simple activities like walking can be highly effective. I recommend starting with achievable goals, like a 10-minute walk three times a day, gradually building up to 30 minutes daily. Such consistent, moderate exercise can substantially benefit hormonal balance.
In my sessions, I delve into these topics with clients, helping them comprehend the complex relationship between diet, exercise, and hormonal health. This understanding is vital for effectively managing diabetes and enhancing overall well-being.
What are the most common challenges that Type 2 diabetics face in adopting a healthier lifestyle, and how do you help them overcome these challenges?
One of the things I had asked my husband, who is also diabetic, is about this overwhelming feeling of needing to overhaul your entire diet and lifestyle. You don’t need to have a highly restrictive diet. I am very much against deprivation because I believe there are no bad foods; there are only foods that can cause cravings. I can work with people, with their mindset about cravings, how foods make them feel, and especially as you age, it becomes harder to embrace the changes that are necessary.
Many people can control their blood sugar through diet alone, and it’s definitely possible, but it requires a willingness to make some changes. I don’t mean drastic changes at all; it’s about those little sustainable steps that everyone can take to make it a bit easier for them. Once you believe you can gain control over the situation and start making those lifestyle changes, it begins to happen.
Education plays a critical role in this process. I try to provide my clients with as much information about what they’re going through and how we can help them. I like to meet people where they are because everyone is at a different point. I aim to be supportive and empathetic since I’ve been in their shoes.
One time, someone asked me what a health coach does, and an analogy popped into my head. I said, “Imagine you’re at the head of a dark tunnel, and you can see the light at the end. A health coach brings three things: light so you can see where you’re going, knowledge about obstacles and challenges, and the ability to hold your highest vision until you can claim it for yourself. It’s crucial that the health coach is there through all the steps and challenges, as walking this journey alone is too difficult. This doesn’t have to be one of those things you do on your own.
Knowing that someone is there with a guiding light in a small dark space makes it so much better. With guidance, you become braver as you go.
Lifestyle changes often involve a psychological component. How do you provide emotional and psychological support to your clients throughout their journey?
One thing I learned right away is to be an active listener. I want to be able to hear and understand everything that my client is telling me. I need them to know that I’m here for support, but also for empathy. So, I think it’s good to remind them that I’m big on accountability. I won’t ever ask the client to do something that I’m not willing to do for myself. That accountability is really important, and honesty is crucial. Privacy is also something I impress upon my clients – whatever is said or shared between the two of us stays private. I like working virtually because it is more private, even when working with somebody one-on-one. Although I don’t have a brick-and-mortar office, my course is focused on daily, weekly, and monthly interactions and includes a weekly live call. We start off with my clients looking inside, discussing what went well for them during the week. We keep a record of that, set goals, and celebrate milestones.
Celebrating wins is another important aspect, and it took me a long time to learn that. I had many achievements in my life that I didn’t celebrate enough. Once I became aware of that pattern, I changed it. So now, whatever wins I have that make me feel good, I take the time to celebrate. That’s crucial, especially when making changes to your own lifestyle. It’s important to celebrate those victories. For example, if a client says, “I went for a 5-minute walk today,” and the next week, they say they can walk every day for 10 minutes, that’s a huge milestone, and we celebrate that. I have a Facebook group for additional support within the community of like-minded individuals. It’s not a group where people just come in to discuss their challenges. I wanted the group to be more positive, with education involved. I encourage people to be vulnerable, sharing experiences and ideas.
Because I take a personalized approach with each client, there are different modules in my course. Sometimes people come in at step 6, and we may need to go back to step 1. I like to start by understanding where the client is currently and then discussing how we can help them get to where they want to be. It involves asking a lot of questions during the process, listening to the answers, and making notes to provide ongoing assistance.
I don’t ignore the possibility of self-sabotage. Usually, around the 5th week, people often find themselves tempted to self-sabotage. This is the point where they’ve experienced positive results, feeling better, looking better, and having more energy. It’s tempting to think, “I don’t need to be as careful today; I won’t track my food.” I like to be there for my clients because I’m human too and have fallen off the wagon numerous times. I understand that experience. Having someone to say, “It’s okay, you’re human. I’m not going to yell at you or punish you. Let’s acknowledge what happened and see if we can turn it around. Share when you’re having a problem because that’s part of accountability. I’m here for you.”
I remember when I was studying for my health coach certification one of my coaches advised against working with family. However, I did work with my husband when he had to switch to an insulin pump due to rapid drops in blood sugar. It was scarier for me, seeing his readings drop on his Dexcom. When I saw those low blood sugar alerts on my phone, I would call him urging him to eat more carbs. When discussing tracking what he ate, especially carbohydrates and ensuring enough protein intake, I made it clear that during our sessions, I would wear my coaching hat, not my wife hat. This approach worked well for us, and he successfully lowered his A1C to below 6 and decreased his insulin units from 90 to 30 units a day. This experience affirmed the effectiveness of my program. His biggest challenge was feeling a lack of control over his body, feeling like his body had turned against him, and addressing that challenge made a significant impact.
Unlock the Secret to Smart Eating! Discover the power of smart food choices with our exclusive “Yes, please—No, thank you” Foods List. This isn’t just a list—it’s your passport to a vibrant, healthier lifestyle. – https://pages.dianeachatz.com/ypnto2c0
Simple, Savvy, and Sustainable: Our carefully curated selection focuses on whole, clean, and seasonal foods. It’s not just about eating right; it’s about feeling fantastic and living better.
