Diabetes Undone Brings Healing, Hope, and Health Transformation

Choctaw Seventh‑day Adventist Church Hosts Successful Lifestyle‑Medicine Program Through Native Ministries Partnership

The Diabetes Undone program—facilitated by A Table in the Wilderness, hosted by the Choctaw Seventh‑day Adventist Church, and sponsored by the Oklahoma Conference Native Ministries Department—has become a meaningful example of how faith‑based health education can change lives across our territory.

Community members gather attentively around a speaker during a Diabetes Undone workshop, aimed at empowering individuals with healthier lifestyle choices.

Participants arrived with a wide spectrum of health concerns, including Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, obesity, inflammation, mobility limitations, sickle cell disease, and strong family histories of chronic illness. Many came searching for practical ways to lower blood sugar, lose weight, improve nutrition, reverse prediabetes, and support loved ones facing serious health challenges.

Growing Knowledge and Confidence

By the end of the program, participants consistently reported a deeper understanding of diabetes, nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle‑related disease prevention. Nearly every attendee indicated that their knowledge of diabetes had improved. Many specifically noted learning how food choices, physical activity, stress management, and daily habits directly influence blood sugar and long‑term health.

A group of eager participants assembles at Natural Grocers to delve into healthier eating habits. They left smiling and better prepared after learning collectively how to combat diabetes..

Several individuals who began the course unsure of their ability to make changes expressed newfound confidence in managing their health and sustaining healthier habits.

Lifestyle Improvements and Measurable Results

The impact extended beyond education. Participants reported:

• Eating more whole foods

• Reducing processed and sugary foods

• Increasing physical activity

• Improving sleep habits

• Drinking more water

• Making healthier choices for their families

Weight loss was also documented. One participant reduced her weight from 280 to 275 pounds, while another decreased from 206 to 204 pounds. Others described improvements in energy, mobility, and overall wellness.

Stories of Hope and Spiritual Encouragement

Perhaps most inspiring were the testimonies of hope and transformation. Participants repeatedly expressed gratitude for the practical tools, educational resources, faith‑based support, and sense of community they found in the class. Many described becoming more motivated, more optimistic, and better equipped to care for themselves and their families.

Several highlighted the spiritual encouragement they received as a meaningful part of their journey toward better health.

Video presentations in the modern conference room featured a large screen.

A Program Worth Recommending

Most significantly, every participant indicated they would recommend Diabetes Undone to others. From first‑time learners seeking better nutrition habits to individuals managing diabetes for many years, attendees consistently described the program as informative, empowering, and life‑changing.

"We are especially grateful for the Oklahoma Conference and Choctaw Seventh-day Adventist Church for recognizing the importance of health evangelism and investing in programs that make a lasting impact in our communities. Through your support, individuals and families were equipped with practical tools that can continue benefiting them for years to come." —Laurel Mauldin, CEO & President of A Table in the Wilderness 

The Diabetes Undone initiative is helping Oklahoma families move toward healthier lifestyles by combining faith, education, accountability, and practical health principles. Survey results show that the program is fulfilling its mission—improving health outcomes, inspiring lasting behavior change, and bringing hope to individuals and families throughout our communities.

By Jim Landelius

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