How I manage being on type 2 diabetes meds

For the longest time, I was in full denial.

Type 2 diabetes? Me? No way. I was active, fairly athletic, never smoked, and only a “lite” drinker (we’ll gloss over the wine and beer appreciation 😬). In my mind, that diagnosis just didn’t fit the picture.

Well… reality has a way of catching up with you.

After a pretty scary high blood sugar episode, I finally had to face it head-on. And honestly? That moment changed everything. Because once I stopped fighting it, I could actually start managing it—and feeling better than I had in a long time.

I’ll admit, I still don’t know if my earlier stubbornness caused any long-term damage (and yes, I absolutely pray it didn’t). But what I do know is this: the changes I’ve made—and the tools I’m using—have made a huge difference.

Let’s start with the big one…

Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

This has been a game changer for me. I’m currently on the 10 mg dose (I did go up to 12.5 at one point, and let’s just say… my stomach and I were not on speaking terms 😅). At that higher dose, I felt sick after almost every meal. Dialing it back made a big difference.

What Mounjaro has really done is help regulate my blood sugar and completely change how I eat. When I say it “forces” better habits—I mean it. Large portions? Nope. Heavy, sugary foods? Absolutely not. My body will shut that down quickly with some serious nausea.

And honestly… that’s been a blessing in disguise.

Because of it, I’ve lost 39 pounds (yes, I’m still a little in shock about that), and I naturally eat smaller, more balanced meals without constantly thinking about it.

What I eat now (and what actually works)

I’ve found a rhythm that keeps me steady and feeling good:

• Breakfast around 8:00
• Lunch around 1:00
• Dinner around 5:30

I don’t snack much anymore because I’m just not hungry—but if I do, it’s usually:

• Vegetables
• A handful of nuts
• Something high-protein, low-carb

One thing that’s really helped simplify life? Factor meals.

They’re pre-made, portion-controlled, and surprisingly tasty (which matters more than people admit). For diabetes, they’re great because:

• They’re balanced with protein, healthy fats, and controlled carbs
• Portions are already handled (no guessing, no overeating)
• They take the “what should I eat?” stress completely off your plate

And when you’re managing blood sugar, consistency is everything.

Insulin (for now…)

I’m currently on a long-acting insulin, but here’s the exciting part—I’ve already reduced my dose from 41 units down to 24.

That’s a big deal.

Because of the changes I’ve made—better eating, weight loss, medication—I’m staying in range much more consistently. If I keep this up, the plan is to come off insulin entirely by July and reduce the Mounjaro as well.

That’s the goal, and I’m working toward it every day.

Dexcom G7 (my secret weapon)

If there’s one thing I wish I had started sooner, it’s this.

The Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitor has been an absolute game changer. It gives real-time blood sugar readings right on your phone, so you can actually see what’s happening in your body.

Eat something? You see the spike.

Take a walk? You see the drop.

It turns guesswork into knowledge—and that’s powerful.

Instead of wondering if something is “okay” to eat, I know. And that makes it so much easier to make better choices without feeling deprived.

What I’ve learned (the real takeaway)

Managing diabetes isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being aware and consistent.

For me, that looks like:

• Eating smaller, balanced meals
• Prioritizing protein and limiting carbs
• Drinking a lot more water
• Walking daily (nothing fancy, just moving)
• Using tools that actually help (hello, Dexcom)

And maybe most importantly… letting go of denial.

Because once I did that, I stopped fighting the diagnosis and started working with my body instead of against it.

If you’re in that place right now—questioning, avoiding, or just overwhelmed—I get it. I really do.

But I can tell you this: small changes add up, and it’s never too late to take control.

I’ll keep sharing what I learn along the way—the good, the frustrating, and the “why didn’t anyone tell me this sooner?” moments.

Because if my experience helps even one person feel a little less alone or a little more in control… it’s worth it 💛