What My Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis Taught Me About Real Health

When I was first diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, I felt every emotion at once, confused, overwhelmed, and afraid. I didn’t fit the picture people usually imagine when they think of Type 2 diabetes, so part of me wondered, what the hell? I later learned, however, how misleading this "picture" could be.

I remember being scared about my future, and I worried a lot about having a heart attack or stroke. I became unsure of what I was  supposed to eat and even the gym, which I’d always enjoyed, felt overwhelming as it came with new questions and precautions.

Food had always been a challenge for me because I wasn’t much of a foodie, and my list of things I did not eat became that much longer. I suddenly had to figure out new rules around eating with hardly any guidance. Most of the advice I got from doctors focused on this medication or that medication, not about how to actually live better. Being told “you don’t need to work so hard” over and over again was discouraging.

I remember attending a diabetic workshop. They talked about portion control of white bread, peanut butter, and a half bagel. I remember sitting there thinking, is this for real? how is this supposed to help me? There was no consideration given for cultural differences and the healthy choices were not healthy at all! I walked out of that workshop and never went back.

That was years ago, and I’ve learned a lot since then. What stands out most is that diabetes is not managed by one perfect formula. Some days you can do everything “right” and still not get the numbers you want. Other days one small effort can make a huge difference. What I've also learned is that you have to give yourself grace and stick with steady, consistent steps. Perfection does not exist, at least not with this disease.

My hard learned lessons are the reasons why I share my journey. I want to share the kind of encouragement, tools, and real-life strategies I wish someone had given me at the beginning of my diagnosis. My hope is that when you land here or on my other social spaces, you feel less alone, more supported, and reminded that progress will always look different for each of us. And your version of progress is still progress.

You've got this. Keep going❤️

With Health & Love,

Ria