A year with type 2 diabetes

When my doctor at St Luke's Clinic in Seattle first mentioned type 2 diabetes, my mind went blank. I used to eat fast food three times a week, and exercise was something other people did. The first month was full of anxiety and frustration.

Getting used to the glucose meter took time. I hated the finger-prick test, and morning readings always made me stressed. My old lifestyle felt impossible to change overnight, and I missed my old habits terribly.

There were many setbacks during those early weeks. I forgot to check my blood sugar, and I struggled to follow a strict meal plan. Carbohydrates seemed to hide in every single thing I bought at the supermarket.

Slowly, I started to build a new routine. I began taking a daily walk after dinner and watching my portion sizes. My motivation grew when I saw my HbA1c numbers finally dropping into the target range.

I joined a local support group where I met Natalie and Sean. Hearing their stories helped me realize I wasn't alone in this journey. We shared tips on how to handle hypos and how to bounce back after a bad day.

Now, a year later, my daily life looks completely different. I'm used to planning my meals, and I don't miss the sugary snacks at all. My last check-up showed great progress, and I finally feel in control.

People often ask me how I managed to change so much in just twelve months. They think I found some secret medicine or a magical trick that made everything easy from the very beginning.

The truth is simpler and less glamorous than that. I owe my success to the doctor who spent an hour talking to me instead of just handing over a prescription pad.

Read again and choose the right answer

What did the author use to eat three times a week?

• Fast food
• Fresh salads
• Gluten-free pasta

What was one of the hardest things at first?

• The glucose meter
• The morning runs
• The cooking classes

Who did the author meet at the support group?

• Natalie and Sean
• Nicole and Mike
• Alex and Peter

What does the author thank the doctor for?

• A long conversation
• A quick prescription
• A new medicine

Sources: photo by Negative Space on Pexels