The Day Everything Changed: My Journey to Reversing Prediabetes

Everyone emphasizes the importance of annual wellness checks, but I didn’t fully understand why until June 2024. At 43, I believed I had my health under control. I avoided smoking, drank only occasionally, and enjoyed eating vegetables. Plus, I committed to intense HIIT workouts three times a week. So, when lab results revealed I had prediabetes and had high cholesterol, the news completely shocked me.

The diagnosis didn’t make sense. I felt healthy. How could this happen?

Then, my brother’s warning echoed in my mind. A year earlier, he had progressed from prediabetes to full-blown diabetes. At the time, he cautioned me: “Cheryl, diabetes runs in our family. Get an A1C test at your next doctor’s appointment.” I brushed it off at the time, confident I was different. But acknowledging that he needed medication to manage his diabetes opened my eyes. Now, his reversal of diabetes through lifestyle changes inspires me. He no longer takes medication, which gives me hope—but also fuels my fear: what if I don’t act fast enough?

As soon as I saw my elevated A1C, I called my doctor. I asked to retest in three months to give myself time to make changes, just like my brother had. Determined to reverse my condition, I felt ready to do whatever it took. My doctor agreed and offered a single piece of advice: “Avoid processed food.”

That was it. No roadmap, no plan—just “avoid processed food.”

Frustrated but motivated, I turned to the internet. The sheer volume of information overwhelmed me, and sorting through conflicting advice felt impossible.

During a playdate with my kids, I vented my frustrations to a friend, a former dietitian. She became my saving grace. The moment I mentioned my prediabetes diagnosis, she dove in with practical advice.

Simple Changes, Big Impact
My friend’s passion for diabetic education and her frustration with doctors’ lack of preventive guidance resonated deeply. Her advice felt manageable and transformative.

Her first tip? Move your body. Daily cardio, no matter how small, can significantly lower blood sugar levels. She encouraged walking, biking, or any consistent activity, even if it wasn’t a vigorous workout.

She also highlighted the role of fiber in stabilizing blood sugar. Fiber slows sugar absorption in the bloodstream, preventing spikes. Blueberries, she explained, are a perfect example of a fiber-rich superfruit packed with nutrients.

Finally, she shared trusted resources, like Eatright.org and Diabetes.org, to guide me in finding credible information. Her insights gave me a solid starting point and restored my confidence.

With her advice, I began taking small but meaningful steps to reclaim my health. This journey has required constant learning and adaptation, but my motivation has only grown stronger. I refuse to let this diagnosis define me. If my brother reversed his diabetes, I can do it too.

This journey has taught me the power of knowledge, consistency, and small changes. Here are the most valuable lessons I’ve learned:

1. Don’t ignore the warning signs. Prediabetes is a wake-up call, not a diagnosis to ignore. Taking action early can make all the difference.
   
   
2. Lifestyle changes work. Simple adjustments like daily cardio, increasing fiber intake, and avoiding processed foods among other dietary changes can have a huge impact on blood sugar levels and overall health.
   
   
3. Seek credible resources and support. Whether it’s from a healthcare professional, a knowledgeable friend, or reliable online sources, having the right guidance is crucial.
   
   
4. You’re in control of your health. While genetics play a role, proactive steps can help you prevent or even reverse conditions like prediabetes.
   
   

Reversing prediabetes isn’t just about avoiding diabetes; it’s about embracing a healthier, more empowered life. My journey is ongoing, but I’ve already seen how making these changes has positively affected my health, energy, and mindset. If you’re facing a similar challenge, know that you have the power to turn things around—one step at a time.