My Health Journey: From Prediabetes to Empowerment
In early 2023, I was diagnosed with an elevated HbA1C, indicating the onset of insulin resistance or prediabetes.
The news shocked me. For the last twenty some years I’d been following a largely plant-based, whole-food diet, with occasional meat or fish, and rarely indulged in sweets.
But maybe my diet wasn’t as healthy as I thought. Maybe there were some blind spots – white pasta, bread, processed foods, or hidden sources of sugars or refined carbs.
Determined to find out, I grabbed a kitchen scale, downloaded the Food Data Central database (which contains nutritional info for over 7,000 foods), and created Excel spreadsheets to begin a personal experiment.
For three months, I meticulously weighed and logged everything I ate. If I didn’t weigh it, I didn’t eat it. I also ramped up my exercise routine, increasing the length and intensity of my daily workouts.
At the end of those three months, I analyzed my data, expecting to find clear patterns that explained my elevated HbA1C. But there was no evidence that my diet was the problem. Everything seemed balanced and healthy.
So, I went deeper.
I started using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to track my blood sugar in real time. What I discovered was eye-opening. Foods I believed were healthy sent my glucose soaring above 200 mg/dL. For context, those with full-blown diabetes are advised to keep glucose levels below 170 mg/dL. And these spikes weren’t caused by white pasta, pizza, or sugary treats. Instead, foods like mango, bananas, blueberries, sushi, sweet potatoes, split peas, and even quinoa were the culprits.
Stress and exercise also triggered glucose spikes.
The Big Glucose Project
In 2024, I launched what I called The Big Glucose Project. I designed a meal planner featuring 200 of my own delicious low-carb recipes, refined my tracking sheets, and monitored my glucose data alongside my meal logs. Month by month, I analyzed my data and searched for patterns.
But there weren’t any.
My glucose responses were unpredictable, varying daily by time of day, stress levels, and other factors. Nutrition alone wasn’t the key to my elevated HbA1C.
So I expanded my investigation. I examined exercise, sleep quality, stress, and digestion. I dove deep into the science of carbohydrate digestion, glucose metabolism, and insulin production.
I also topped up my exercise regime and meditation practice. Today I feel stronger physically, mentally, and emotionally than ever before.
Along the way, I earned a certificate in Nutrition Science from Stanford University, completed a training as Certified Professional Health Coach at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and received my certification as Health & Wellness Coach from the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching.
Has glucose changed my life? Yes, absolutely!
Finally – The Breakthrough
After more than two years of trial, error, and quiet perseverance, my A1C finally came down into a healthy range. There wasn’t a single magic trick or breakthrough moment. No one “hack” saved me. Instead, it was the long, patient unfolding of small shifts – tweaking my diet, staying consistent with movement, tending to my stress, and making room for joy, creativity, and rest.
What I learned is that the neatly packaged fixes we see online – whether from influencers or even reputable experts – didn’t work for me. That doesn’t mean they won’t work for you. But I won’t promise a one-size-fits-all solution. And I won’t tell you, “If I can do it, you can too.” Because your body is not mine.
What I will offer is guidance, compassion, and a steady presence. I’ll help you navigate your journey with more courage, more confidence, and a deeper trust in your body’s own wisdom to show you what it needs.
What I’ve Learned
Everyone is different
Our bodies respond uniquely to food and they show up for us in different ways at different times. What you eat today may trigger a different glucose response tomorrow. And what works for someone else may not work for you.
Nutrition is only part of the equation
To tackle the root cause of insulin resistance, we need to look beyond nutrition, put our detective’s hat on and explore other areas like sleep, stress, gut health, exercise, and hormones.
Never underestimate stress
Stress has a huge impact on our health & wellbeing. And we all have a tendency to downplay the many stress factors in our lives. My advice: don’t! Be kind to yourself and acknowledge when food, exercise, your career, or your relationships become a source of stress. Your body will be thankful.
Health is a journey, not a destination
Proactively taking care of your health is the most adventurous journeys of all. It may be frustrating, stressful and overwhelming at times but the rewards will be there for you to celebrate. Every step on this journey can help us become stronger and more powerful than we ever imagined.