Dealing with diabetes can be a life-changing challenge. My experience with diabetes began over twenty years ago, when I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes during pregnancy. I knew I had to take charge and find ways to manage diabetes before it took over my life. Through diet and exercise, I managed to reverse it and regain control of my health. Here’s my experience and what I learned along the way.
What is Pre-Diabetes?
Pre-diabetes is a health condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. It’s a warning sign that your body isn’t managing blood sugar as well as it should.
Doctors usually diagnose it with blood tests like the fasting blood sugar test or the A1C test, which looks at your average blood sugar levels over a few months.
If you don’t take steps to manage it, it can turn into Type 2 diabetes over time. But the good news is that pre-diabetes can often be reversed with healthy changes in your diet, activity level, and lifestyle.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Normally, your body breaks down most of the food you eat into sugar (glucose) and releases it into your bloodstream. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps move this sugar into your cells to be used for energy.
With diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it properly. As a result, too much sugar stays in your blood. Over time, this can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney issues.
There are two main types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed at a young age and happens when the body stops making insulin.
Type 2 diabetes is more common and usually develops later in life. It occurs when the body doesn’t use insulin properly or doesn’t make enough of it.
My Personal Journey
When I was first diagnosed with being pre-diabetic, I didn’t take it seriously. I figured it was temporary and that everything would return to normal after giving birth.
But over time, I began to understand that pre-diabetes isn’t something to brush off. It’s a warning sign—one that too many people ignore until it becomes something more serious.
What I’ve learned is that diabetes doesn’t care how active or healthy you think you are. There were times in my life, like during my pilgrimage travels, when I let my guard down. I ate out more, paid less attention to what I was eating, and started feeling the effects in my body.
Through those experiences, I realized that diabetes has no cure. It’s something you have to actively manage every day.
My Mother’s Story
While I was able to catch pre-diabetes early and make lifestyle changes, my mom’s experience has been very different. She was diagnosed over 30 years ago and, like many immigrants, adopted parts of the Standard American Diet—more processed foods, larger portions, and eating out often.
Despite trying different medications and insulin, her glucose levels have continued to rise, sometimes reaching over 400. One of the biggest challenges in dealing with diabetes is consistency.
My mom often thinks that eating certain foods or drinks now and then isn’t a big deal, but these choices add up over time. Managing diabetes means making mindful decisions every single day, and skipping even a few can quickly push things in the wrong direction.
Watching her struggle has been heartbreaking. It’s also been one of my biggest motivators to stay committed to my own health and remember that prevention is much easier than treatment.
Lessons I’ve Learned
One of the most important things I’ve learned is that managing diabetes isn’t about making huge changes all at once. It’s about making small, steady choices that add up over time.
There’s no magic fix or overnight cure—just daily decisions that help you move in the right direction. One of the biggest lessons for me has been that diabetes has no cure, only control.
My glucose level is now completely normal, but it still rises when I’m not careful with what I eat. This reminds me that managing diabetes risk is a lifelong journey, not a one-time fix.
Another lesson is that no one is immune. Even if you’re active or think you’re eating well, diabetes can sneak up on you if you’re not paying attention.
Lastly, I’ve learned that it’s never too late to start. Small, steady changes to your diet and lifestyle can make a huge difference over time.
Practical Tips for Dealing with Diabetes
Here are a few practical things that have made a big difference for me:
Cook more meals at home. It’s easier to control what goes on your plate.
Move your body every day. Walking, biking, or gentle stretches all help.
Be mindful of portion sizes. Small changes can keep blood sugar in check.
Stay aware of what you eat. Eating out is fun, but be mindful of what you’re ordering.
Don’t be hard on yourself. Progress takes time—what matters is staying consistent.
Dealing with diabetes isn’t about perfection—it’s about mindful, everyday choices that keep you healthy and feeling your best.
A Journey of Health and Hope
My experience with diabetes has shown me that health is a journey, not a destination. It’s about staying aware, making small changes, and not giving up.
Living with diabetes isn’t always easy, but it doesn’t have to take over your life. With patience and consistency, you can find a healthier, happier path—one small step at a time.
