Breaking the Cycle of Diabetes – Exclusive Interview With April Potter of Sweet ReSolve

April Potter is a community-based educator who has lived most of her life in the deep south of the United States. She brings 25 years of nursing experience to her newfound passion as a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. While caring for patients at the end of life, she found herself educating families on better nutrition to change their own trajectory in life. Before she ever knew that diabetes education was a career path, she had been educating families on nutrition to avoid and manage diabetes for years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while working in the ICU, she found herself questioning what was next and found a path to certification as a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. April partners with organizations and individuals living with diabetes in the community to bring a holistic approach that empowers lasting transformation.

April Potter, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

Who is April Potter?

Originally from Washington, D.C., I spent my formative years in Dothan, Alabama. I moved to Georgia about 16 years ago. Let’s just say the South grew on me. Becoming a nurse was not what I dreamed of as a child, but it has always been my calling. I grew up caring for my brother, who was paralyzed in an incident when I was 7 years old. Those years shaped me as a caregiver, and I found that I was drawn to caregiving jobs. During my years as a hospice nurse, I realized that I was passionate about nutrition. That led me to get a certification as a Transformational Nutrition Coach. I began to notice the lack of education in my community surrounding Type 2 diabetes and nutrition, so I decided to start Sweet ReSolve to help people with diabetes and their families. I have always loved educating people, my family always thought I’d be a school teacher. When I’m not educating and working in the community, I enjoy walking in nature and spending quality time with my friends and family.

What inspired you to start Sweet ReSolve and focus on Type 2 Diabetes care?

As an African American woman and a certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES), I have seen firsthand the heartbreaking impact of Type 2 diabetes on my community, particularly in rural areas. The lack of culturally relevant education and accessible care has led to a devastating cycle of suffering, with generations of families enduring the pain of kidney failure and limb loss. These are not just statistics, they are personal tragedies that have inspired me to create Sweet ReSolve, offering a genuine, compassionate, and practical way forward. The name itself reflects our mission, to provide a sweet resolution to what can be a very bitter diagnosis.

What makes Sweet ReSolve different?

Traditional diabetes care often relies on a one-size-fits-all approach and can be hard to access for people in rural areas. At Sweet ReSolve, our services are delivered through a user-friendly telehealth platform. This means that education and nutrition guidance come directly to you, bridging the physical gap to specialized healthcare. We focus on building a long-term relationship, providing ongoing support and education through our monthly email program, so you never feel alone on your health journey.

How does Sweet ReSolve support not just individuals, but their families and caregivers too?

Diabetes doesn't just affect the individual, it impacts the entire family and everyone who provides care. Because of the prevalence of diabetes in the African American community, education is vital for prevention for all family members. I often see people struggle because they feel that they have to prepare a “healthy” meal for themselves and something different for their family. We must break this cycle and ensure that everyone eats healthier. That's why our approach is holistic. We offer resources and guidance for family members on how to provide a supportive environment, prepare diabetes-friendly meals, and understand the emotional and physical needs of their loved one. Our goal is to empower the whole family to become part of the support system and understand the disease process, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle for everyone.

Why is community education a key part of your mission?

I believe that community education is the cornerstone of our mission. When we say, "Your Health is Your Greatest Wealth," we mean it not just in terms of well-being, but also in dollars and cents. The financial toll of diabetes on the African American community is immense. The costs of hospital visits, insulin, medications, and lost wages due to illness create a significant and often devastating burden on families. By providing accessible education, we're empowering our community to invest in their health proactively. This is a powerful tool for prevention, early intervention, and long-term management that can help break the expensive, generational cycle of disease and build a stronger, more informed community.

What would you say to someone who’s unsure where to start with their diabetes care?

To someone who feels lost and unsure where to start, I want to say this, take a deep breath. You're here, and that's the most important first step. The journey can seem overwhelming, but we are here to walk with you, one step at a time. The first small step could be as simple as drinking an extra glass of water today, going for a short walk, or sending us a message to learn more. Remember, your health is not just about numbers, it's about building a life you love. We are here to help you do just that.

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