Meet Marvella

Both of my parents had type 2 diabetes and they are no longer with us. Native people are also most likely to have some form of diabetes, just like myself as a Navajo/Diné.

After having COVID-19, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the beginning of August 2020 by Village clinic here. It was bit hard to share with my family. My older brother encouraged me to get my A1C to 5. He instructed me on finding ways virtually, since the Village clinic had less to share at that time. My journey is unbelievable, but it can be done. 

I went online searching and reading, then I contacted a virtual MD. That's where it all began. I took part in his programs and by the end of May 2021, my type 2 diabetes went into remission. I've juggled different issues from that time to now. After May 2025 goes by, I will be five years in remission. 

Honestly my journey has been tough with ups and downs, but I've ridden each storm out best way I could. Sometimes it's like just tossing in the towel (giving up), but I tell myself, “I wasn't taught to give up when I was learning about remission.” One thing I always tell others is to work closely with your doctors. Because what they see is a person and what they hear is inspiring. Yet sometimes it's a guessing game for them, which is why you work with your doctors closely. 

A lot of what has changed is my eating habits, but I still treat myself on a monthly basis. I ride my mountain bike or my indoor bike and do a lot more walking daily. I try to get that water intake into my day too.

So every day that I continue this journey, I have to manage the lifestyle I am given. Waking up each day, I am blessed, but the finger pokes are never ending. One wish I always have is that the test strips be free of cost.