When William from Garner, North Carolina, first heard about the Teladoc Health Diabetes Management program in 2017, he wasn’t yet showing active symptoms of diabetes. But he was at risk — and his doctor didn’t sugarcoat it.
“He told me, ‘If you don’t make changes, you won’t make it,’” Will recalls. “Then he joked that after I died, he might ask my wife out to dinner. That got my attention.”
At that point, Will was facing a trifecta of health challenges: rising A1C levels, high blood pressure, and poor cholesterol numbers. His weight had reached 260 pounds, and he knew he couldn’t keep ignoring the warning signs. That’s when he enrolled in Teladoc Health — a decision that, he says, changed everything.
As a U.S. Army veteran and retired postal district manager with 48 years of combined military and federal service, Will thrives on structure and accountability. He found both in his work with a Teladoc Health expert coach.
“Every meeting follows a process,” he explains. “She asks what I committed to, how it went and whether we need to adjust. No excuses — either you did it, or you didn’t.”
That kind of direct, consistent engagement built trust and momentum. Unlike rotating coaches, his dedicated coach took the time to understand his habits, lifestyle and goals — creating a partnership rooted in respect and progress.
Together, they tackled both diabetes and weight. They set measurable goals around nutrition, exercise and blood sugar monitoring — all powered by real-time data from connected devices.
And when travel or technology hiccups threatened to derail his routine, the Teladoc Health Member Support team stepped in immediately to provide replacements and guidance.
Research shows that military veterans, such as Will, are at increased risk for cardiometabolic disorders after service. Type 2 diabetes affects about 25% of U.S. veterans, and metabolic syndrome, which is when one has a cluster of high risk factors, is more prevalent in veterans with PTSD.
“This program has been a game changer,” Will says. “Even my wife knows how important those Saturday morning calls are. They’re not just diabetes check-ins — they’re life coaching sessions.”
Today, Will has lost more than 30 pounds — from 260 down to 228 — and continues to make steady progress toward his goal of 210. His A1C, once as high as 9.7%, is now a healthy 5.9%.
“I weigh in daily, I check my blood sugar daily, and my coach keeps me accountable,” he says. “If I don’t follow through, I know I’ll have to explain why at our next meeting.”
Beyond the data, Will says he feels renewed — physically and emotionally. Friends comment on his appearance, and he feels more confident and energetic.
“This program may have saved my life,” he says. “It’s powerful and valuable, but it requires active engagement. You can’t just watch from the sidelines — you’re the star of your own movie.”
Will’s story reflects what Teladoc Health believes: that connected, human-centered care creates lasting outcomes. By combining smart technology, personalized data and expert coaching, Teladoc Health empowers people to take control of their cardiometabolic health, one choice at a time.
“The Teladoc Health team works as a village,” Will says. “If I have an issue, they reach out. Between sessions, my coach is accessible. The program provides everything I need — the meter, the strips [and] the accountability. That’s invaluable.”
For Will, and thousands like him, the results speak for themselves. With ongoing support and connection, members don’t just manage chronic conditions — they build the confidence and resilience to thrive.
“If my story encourages even one person to take action, it’s worth it,” Will says. “Teladoc Health and my coach are the recipe for success. She’s a true game changer.”
