Billings Man's Diabetes Journey Highlights Life-Changing Care

Endocrinology Clinic will expand access for others like him

When Nate Porter, 37, of Billings, visited his medical provider for a routine checkup last November, he had no idea the appointment would change his life. Blood tests revealed dangerously high blood sugar and an A1C level near 11, a key marker of blood sugar levels, prompting an immediate referral to the Intermountain Health Diabetes and Endocrinology Clinic.

“I was shocked,” Porter said. “My blood sugar was in the 300s. I had a lot of questions and concerns about what this would mean for my life.”

At the clinic, Porter began working with Chelsi Hayter, Nurse Practitioner, who helped him navigate the diagnosis and develop a realistic, sustainable plan for managing Type 2 diabetes. “Chelsi told me, ‘Your life doesn’t have to stand still. We need to fit diabetes into your life, not let it derail you,’” Porter said. His care team recommended medication and also recommended lifestyle changes. Porter also adopted a continuous glucose monitor, which allowed him and his care team to track his blood sugar in real time and make data-driven decisions about what was working to help him manage his new condition.

Within two months, Porter’s A1C dropped from nearly 11 to 5, and his blood sugar stabilized around 100. Over the past year, he has lost more than 60 pounds and reports feeling more energetic and balanced. “I don’t get the fatigue or grogginess I used to,” he said. “My mood is better, and I recover from illnesses.”

Porter credits the clinic’s team-based approach and Hayter’s support for his success. “They’re always there for me. If I have a question, I can message them and get a quick response,” he said. “Chelsi is a game changer. She listens to me as a patient and makes recommendations based on both the data and how I’m responding.”

"I am passionate about collaborating with people to help them achieve their health goals. Nate has worked really hard to improve his health and his results are a reflection of that,” said Hayter.

Technology has also played a key role in Porter’s journey. His continuous glucose monitor allows him to monitor his levels throughout the day using an app on his phone and also share data directly with his care team. “It’s been a great investment for my health,” he said. For others facing a new diabetes diagnosis, Porter offers advice. “It’s a lot to take in at first, and that’s okay. Have candid conversations with your doctor and understand that managing diabetes doesn’t mean you have to change everything overnight. It’s about making steps to get better, eating more protein and vegetables, being active, and not cutting out the things you enjoy, but enjoying them responsibly.”

While Porter’s ultimate goal is to put his diabetes into remission, he also shares that it goes beyond just numbers. “It’s about living your best life, but living it the right way,” he said. To better serve patients like Porter, the Intermountain Health Diabetes & Endocrinology Clinic has begun a major renovation and expansion of its location at the Yellowstone Medical Center in Billings.

Supported by generous gifts from local donors Steve and Debbie Reger and Tom and Maree Ryan, the project will expand the clinic from eight to 12 providers and increase the number of offices and exam rooms from 19 to 31. The renovation will also add new conference rooms for group diabetes education and weight management classes, dedicated space for telehealth and diabetic eye exams, and new equipment for exercise services as part of the clinic’s Weight Management Program.

“We are thrilled to start the renovation of our clinic and expand our space to better serve our patients from across the region,” said Dr. Justen Rudolph, medical director of the diabetes program. “We have highly skilled and passionate caregivers on our diabetes, endocrinology, and weight management teams, and this gift from the Reger and Ryan families is a powerful testament to the trust our community places in our expertise, compassion, and unwavering dedication.”

The clinic will remain open during the renovation, with the newly expanded space set to open in early 2026.

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About St. Vincent Regional Hospital

Founded on our mission of compassionate care 125 years ago, St. Vincent Regional Hospital, part of Intermountain Health, has grown into one of Montana’s largest comprehensive hospitals, serving the healthcare needs of over 400,000 people in our four-state area. Continuing to respond to the needs of our community, we have been recognized as an innovator in trauma, heart, neurological and cancer care. At St. Vincent and Intermountain Health, our 12 primary care clinics, and specialty clinics in and around the Billings area, our goal is to help you live the healthiest lives possible. This also includes caring for the region's youngest patients. We opened the region's first Pediatric Intensive Care Unit staffed 24/7 by Pediatric Intensivists and the only Pediatric Surgery program serving eastern Montana, northern Wyoming, and the western Dakotas.