Gwendolyn Woody, “The Nutritionist and Nurse” Talks About Diabetes in the Black Community

Do you realize you could have diabetes and not know it? Worse, it could show up when you least expect it and if not caught in time, it could wreak havoc on your health and life. 

Gwendolyn Woody is a nurse, nutritionist, and diabetes specialist who has been recognized by the CDC, the American Diabetes Association, and the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists. She makes it her business to spread the word about healthy eating and living. She is passionate about educating the black community about diabetes and its dangers, symptoms, treatments, and prevention. She is also expanding her business to educate about other health conditions that affect the black community in high numbers. 

Sadly, African Americans are at a higher risk for getting diabetes and other diseases because of the inequality in their healthcare and their lack of education or awareness about different illnesses. They also have a high risk due to obesity, unhealthy eating habits, insulin resistance, and genetic related influences. All of these add to the high number of sicknesses in the black community, which is why Woody is so passionate about educating and trying to slow down or prevent these conditions. 

Meet Gwendolyn Woody aka “The Nutritionist and Nurse.” She shares important information that could be life-saving as it relates to diabetes and your health. 

Tell us a little about yourself, your training, and why you wanted to be a nurse?

I became a nurse because I wanted to assist persons in healing. I wanted to make a difference in their lives. I trained at a traditional school, but I have always and continue to seek other learning opportunities to enhance my career. I became a nurse because my mother and grandmother attempted to become nurses but were unsuccessful. 

You focus a lot on providing information about pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes in the black community. 

I am changing my focus, slightly, to include socioeconomic illnesses that affect the Black Community. So, not just diabetes, but heart disease, nutrition, and so much more. There are several types of diabetes. But the general definition of diabetes is in which the body does not produce or cannot metabolize the hormone called insulin. There are several factors depending on the type of diabetes and the person. 

What are some signs of both pre-diabetes and diabetes? 

In general, the signs of diabetes are hunger and fatigue, dry mouth, itchy skin, and blurred vision. The signs and symptoms are dependent on the type of diabetes and that person, medications, and preexisting conditions. 

If a person suspects they are prediabetic or have diabetes, what should and shouldn’t they do?

If a person suspects that they have diabetes they should make an appointment with their physician for testing. They should not try any alternative methods or medications, because they may not have diabetes, but something else. 

What do you want people to understand about both conditions as it relates to their health? Why should they care?

What I want people to understand is that they are human and not a textbook. I want people to understand that weight is not the sole factor, but a key. What people should understand is that they have the power to heal themselves and create their healthy to live the life they want, and to leave a health legacy. 

You help people in your company who suffer from pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. And your company has been recognized by the CDC, the American Diabetes Association, and the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists. Tell us the name of your company and what you do? 

We are rebranding, and my company is called Copper and Greens, LLC. By the time the article publishes, everything should be complete. We offer holistic health education and learning opportunities to create healthier people and communities. 

You also teach about nutrition and eating healthy. Why is it important for people to eat healthfully, and what is the link between bad nutrition and diseases? 

From day one, nutrition has been a factor of life. As time has shown, the more we indulge in foods and food products that are not healthy for us, our bodies don’t heal and are open to disease and illness. Whatever you eat should nourish your taste and body. 

During these times, people are overweight more than ever before, not getting enough rest, and are dealing with different stresses in their lives, how do all those things influence their mental and physical health?

Stress overall is the silent killer and can lead to illness and death. The stress of life weighs heavy on people. There are ways to maneuver stress and focus, but it takes due diligence. You must act on what you say that you want for yourself and not invite stress in. 

Is there something you would like to say that we haven’t discussed?

If you are working on building a financial legacy, you should also build a health legacy. You are worthy to fully enjoy the fruits of your labor without restriction. 

What upcoming projects do you have?

Launching Copper and Greens, app, and pitching. 

How can people reach you for more information or follow you? 

Please feel free to email me at info@copperandgreens.com. She is also on all social media as “The Nutritionist and Nurse”. 

Featured Image Credit: Camille Percy

Writer, Debbie Stokes is a contributing writer. Follow her on Instagram @ iamdebbiestokes                                                                                                    

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