Hector’s Story: Diabetes Patient Gives Back
Hector Nunez volunteers at Scripps Diabetes Prevention Program
Hector Nunez is a volunteer at the Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute
Hector Nunez volunteers at Scripps Diabetes Prevention Program
Before becoming a volunteer at the Diabetes Prevention Program at Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute in Chula Vista, Hector Nunez says that the road to changing his lifestyle was not an easy one.
He recalls, “I went to Scripps for a physical, and that’s where I found out that I had diabetes.”
His initial reaction was disappointment, but not necessarily surprise. His father had diabetes, and Hector assumed there was nothing he could do to avoid diabetes in his own future. When Hector received his diagnosis, he knew he would have to take care of himself, but didn't know how.
“The hardest thing is the change in lifestyle. You need to leave your old habits behind. That includes the way that you eat. You need to eat healthier, do more exercise, walk. I never did that before this, but now I need to do it and change my lifestyle,” he says.
Discovering support at Scripps
First, Hector turned to his doctor in hopes of an answer. His doctor encouraged him to join the Diabetes Education Program at the Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute. Hector took this advice and entered the program.
“I decided to enroll because I knew it would be good for me. I knew that it was best for me, and that I needed to learn the right way to continue to live my life.”
Hector joined the program in 2013 and has been a loyal member ever since. He says, “The thing I like most about the program is that it has completely changed my life. I am happy to be a part of this program.”
Sharing with the community
Hector is now a volunteer for the program, helping the community and providing others with the support he received. Not only has the information learned been invaluable, but the opportunity to be a part of a community where everyone is facing the same battles is life changing. As a volunteer, he enjoys making new friends, hearing their testimonies and the chance to learn from each other.
Being part of this program has encouraged Hector to not only take care of himself, but to make sure that his family is also striving for better health. He says, “My family is very important to me. They support me a lot in what I am doing, and they are very happy that I am taking care of myself.”
Learn more
Take charge of your health and learn more about the Scripps Healthy Living, Diabetes Prevention and Diabetes Education programs. Call 858-314-3507 to register for a free orientation session with the Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute.