From Diagnosis to Discipline: My 35-Year Journey with Diabetes (And My Battle With CKD Today)

It was 35 years ago when the doctor sat me down with a look that said it all. I had just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I was young, ambitious, and on the go — too busy, in my mind, to be sick. But diabetes doesn’t ask for your permission. It just pulls up a chair and gets comfortable.

Now, three decades later, I’m not only managing diabetes but also battling the early stages of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). This blog isn’t just about me — it’s a wake-up call, a love letter to discipline, and a guide for anyone searching for answers about diabetes and CKD prevention. If you’ve been newly diagnosed or you’re just trying to get ahead of the curve, stick with me.

The Early Years: Denial, Damage, and DiscoveriesIn the beginning, I did what many do: I ignored it. I told myself, “I’ll eat better tomorrow,” or “One soda won’t hurt.” But diabetes doesn’t forgive delays. It stacks up like dirty dishes, and eventually, you have to clean the mess.

Within five years, I began experiencing nerve pain, random fatigue, and the tell-tale signs of blood sugar imbalance. My A1C was consistently above 8.5. Looking back, I wasn’t managing diabetes — I was babysitting it while it trashed my body.

What changed everything was a friend’s funeral. He died of complications related to uncontrolled type 2 diabetes at just 47. That day, I made a vow: either I master this disease, or it masters me.

Turning Point: The Rise of DisciplineI started reading, researching, and revising my lifestyle. I learned the power of blood sugar control — not just through medication but through movement, nutrition, and mindset. I began walking 30 minutes every morning, swapped sugary drinks for infused water, and started a low-glycemic diet.

One thing I didn’t realize early enough was the silent damage diabetes can do to your kidneys. According to the National Kidney Foundation, diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in the U.S. And I was walking right into that trap.

The CKD Wake-Up CallIt was a routine lab result that first waved the red flag. My GFR (glomerular filtration rate) had dropped below 60. That’s stage 2 CKD. I wasn’t feeling sick — yet. But my body was starting to whisper, and if I didn’t listen, it would soon scream.

CKD doesn’t announce itself with fanfare. It creeps in. But that moment reignited my fire for diabetes and CKD prevention. I doubled down on hydration, cut back on animal protein, added kidney-loving foods like berries, cabbage, and garlic — and started supplementing smartly.

Affiliate product to support kidney and blood sugar health: Nano for Life – advanced cellular hydration and detox support.

Tools That Helped Me Stay on Track
There’s no one-size-fits-all for managing diabetes or preventing CKD, but these tools helped me:

• Berberine – This natural compound helped me regulate blood sugar levels more efficiently. Try Berberine for Life.
• GlucoCare – An herbal blend that supports pancreas function and reduces insulin resistance. Check out GlucoCare here.
• Routine Labs – I get tested every 90 days now. HealthLabs makes it easy to order tests without needing a doctor’s appointment.
• Mindful Nutrition – I began exploring plant-forward meals, reducing sodium, and prioritizing hydration. A few daily switches made a massive differenc​

You don’t have to do it all in one day. Start with one decision. Then another. Stack your wins.

What I Wish I Knew at DiagnosisIf I could go back and mentor my 30-year-old self, I’d say:Diabetes is not just a sugar disease. It’s a whole-body, whole-mind condition.

1. Your kidneys are listening to everything you eat. Every excess gram of sodium, every sugary treat — they feel it.
2. Prevention is the real cure. Managing symptoms is survival. Preventing damage is freedom.

The CDC estimates that 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. has prediabetes — and most don’t know it. That’s not a statistic; that’s an opportunity for action.

For the Newly Diagnosed (Or the Nearly Diagnosed)If you’re reading this and you’ve just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or early-stage CKD — breathe. This isn’t a death sentence. It’s a life sentence… to better living.

• Start tracking. Invest in a glucose monitor.
• Move your body daily. Even 10 minutes a day builds momentum.
• Avoid high-sodium, processed foods. Your kidneys will thank you.
• Get real with your habits. Don’t rely on motivation. Build discipline.

And don’t go it alone. Find community. Find education. Find hope.

Preventing the Onset: What YOU Can Do Right NowEven if you haven’t been diagnosed, here’s what you can do today to guard your future:

• Supplement with kidney and glucose-supporting nutrients like GlucoBliss.
• Try monk fruit as a sugar alternative – Monk-4-Life makes it easy.
• Use fitness as medicine: walking, dancing, stretching — it all matters.
• Get tested with Prevent CKD for Life. Don’t guess — know.

The Battle Continues — But So Does the VictoryToday, I’m still managing both diabetes and CKD — but I’m doing it on my terms. My GFR has stabilized. My A1C is down to 6.2. I wake up with purpose, with energy, and most of all — with a mission.

To teach. To reach. To preach that diabetes and CKD prevention is possible, even after 35 years. It’s not about perfection. It’s about progression. Every step counts.

Your Health Is Worth Fighting For:
This journey is personal. It’s been full of setbacks, relapses, and renewed strength. But I wouldn’t change it. Because it’s given me the tools, the wisdom, and the discipline to live — not just survive.

If you’re standing at the edge of a diagnosis or fighting to reverse damage already done, know this: it’s never too late to start. Prevention isn’t a destination — it’s a daily decision.
Your next step?

• Explore the tools above.
• Get tested.
• Share this post with someone you love.
• And most of all… start walking your walk.

Because from diagnosis to discipline, there’s a powerful future waiting on the other side.
And if your ready for a health reset, click here.