John and Angie Griffing with Emily, Lily and Sarah.

We usually think of firefighters as strong and healthy. John Griffing, Lodi firefighter, fits that image well. A healthy, active, 34-year-old father of three girls, diabetes was the last thing on his mind when symptoms appeared in 2008. A chance meeting with a friend saved his life.

“I was losing weight and always tired at work, and I was constantly thirsty. I have a busy life with two jobs and a family, so I just thought it was stress,” said John.

During the summer, John ran into a friend in a restaurant. When he complimented John on the weight loss but learned that it was unintentional, his friend started asking questions.

John said, “As it turned out, my friend had diabetes. He took out his glucose monitor, and my reading was 500—it should be under 100. I called Lodi Medical Clinic; they told me to come in immediately. Sure enough, I had diabetes and started medication.

“If I hadn’t bumped into my friend, I wouldn’t have gone to the doctor, which could have resulted in ketoacidosis. It’s life-threatening.”

The doctor’s office quickly referred John to JoEllen Frawley, APNP, BC-ADM, CDE, advanced practice nurse prescriber, board certified in advanced diabetes management. SPMHC hired Frawley recently to lead its expanded Diabetes Self-Management Education program, recently certified by the American Diabetes Association. The ADA certification requires a rigorous review by nationwide experts in diabetes. In the SPMHC program, people learn to live normal, healthy lives.

John said, “The diagnosis scared me at first because I knew little about it. Going to the classes and learning from JoEllen empowered me. She knows how shocking the diagnosis can be.”

The new SPMHC program, in collaboration with Prairie Clinic’s diabetes educators, can help stop the epidemic of diabetes in the four counties served by SPMHC. Frawley said, “Patients learn everything about diabetes including its effects, how to eat, and how to administer insulin.

“With today’s technology, diabetes is very manageable—prevention is the key.”

John said, “I feel great. My blood sugar has improved, and my energy is back. Plus, my whole family has benefited. We’re eating healthier, and we’re exercising together.”