Leona Fouché from Pretoria tells us how she did it!
Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in November 2018 was a wake-up call that shook me to the core. My HbA1c was a startling 10.4%, and the doctor immediately prescribed 2000mg of Glucophage daily—1000mg in the morning and 1000mg at night. Deep down, I knew my lifestyle had led me to this point. My diet consisted of fast food—McDonald’s, Russian and chips, and endless bottles of Coca-Cola.
From that moment, I resolved to make a change. I sought guidance from a dietitian who provided me with a low-GI eating plan. I followed it diligently, yet, to my dismay, my blood sugar levels stubbornly refused to drop below 10 mmol. Breakfast consisted of porridge, lunch was a Low-GI sandwich, and dinner included starchy vegetables like potatoes and pumpkin, paired with protein. I ate six times a day, as recommended, but frustration set in as I saw others in online groups posting their morning readings of 5.5 mmol and 6.1 mmol, while mine remained above 10 mmol.
Determined to take control, I researched the condition and stumbled upon the growing popularity of low-carb diets. Skeptical but desperate, I decided to give it a try, even if just for a month. I meticulously planned my meals, kept a food diary, and shopped for fresh vegetables every week. I explored new low-carb recipes, making a conscious effort to avoid the monotony of salads that had derailed my past attempts at dieting. The key was shifting my mindset from a temporary diet to a sustainable lifestyle change.
“Taking the time to plan my meals was (and still is) an investment in my health; it helps me stay on track, save time, and enjoy balanced, nutritious food all week long.”
The results were nothing short of remarkable. Within the first week, my blood sugar readings plummeted to below 7. I was astounded—this was all self-guided, with no professional coaching, relying solely on information I found online and through support groups. As I delved deeper into the Diabetes Warriors community on Telegram and WhatsApp, I found the motivation to keep going. Over the next two and a half years, I lost 68 kilograms, and my blood sugar stabilized between 5.3 and 4.8. Every visit to the doctor confirmed my progress, yet it took eight different doctors before one finally agreed to take me off Glucophage.
Now (2024), I’ve been medication-free for over a year. I adhere strictly to my personalized green list of foods, occasionally indulging in items from the orange list, and steadfastly avoiding the red list. This isn’t just a diet for me—it’s my life. I refuse to return to the days of medication and high blood sugar. For me, a 40g portion of oats with 23g of carbs can never replace the satisfaction of a hearty plate of low-carb vegetables.
“This journey has been transformative, and it has taught me that with determination and the right support, reversing type 2 diabetes is not just a possibility—it’s a reality.”