Written by Diana Licalzi, MS, RD, CDCES

A Wake Up Call: Confronting Type 2 Diabetes

For years, Alma had been on the borderline of type 2 diabetes, but like many, she didn’t take action until it became an undeniable reality. "I have always been morbidly obese, but I didn’t bother about it since I never had any other visible illness apart from high blood glucose levels," Alma recalls. But when her full medical exam confirmed diabetes, the stakes became clear—her visa depended on better blood sugar control.

Choosing a Different Path

With just 12 weeks to improve her A1C to secure her immigration visa, Alma knew she needed a strategy that worked. She had tried numerous diets before—keto, calorie deficits—but none of them provided lasting success. "They always left me feeling hungry and angry," she says. Determined to break the cycle, she joined the Reversing T2D Program and committed fully to its whole food, plant-based approach.

Unlike restrictive diets, the program offered a sustainable lifestyle change. "Surprisingly, I wasn’t craving processed foods anymore! If I wanted something sweet, I’d grab a piece of fruit, and I felt completely satisfied." For the first time, Alma found an approach that didn’t feel like deprivation—it felt like freedom.

>> If you're interested in joining or learning more about our program, click here. <<

The Results: A Health & Life Transformation

Within 10 weeks, Alma’s transformation was undeniable. She lost 26 lbs (12 kg) and experienced a dramatic drop in her blood sugar levels. Her A1C fell from 7% (53 mmol/mol) to 5.9% (41 mmol/mol), nearly reaching the normal range. Her fasting blood sugar levels improved from 198 mg/dL (11 mmol/L) to 108 mg/dL (6 mmol/L). The best part? With these remarkable improvements, Alma’s visa was approved.

Beyond the numbers, her energy skyrocketed. "Before the program, I was always sluggish and sleepy. Exercise felt impossible. Now, I feel healthier and more active than ever." Instead of struggling through hunger pangs and cravings, Alma found joy in nourishing foods that fueled her body.

Why This Approach Works

The success of the Reversing T2D Program lies in its emphasis on whole, nutrient-dense foods. Unlike fad diets that rely on extreme restrictions, this program prioritizes real, balanced nutrition that supports long-term health.

• Whole Grains and Fiber: Instead of eliminating or restricting carbs, the program focuses on fiber-rich cards like oats, beans, and vegetables. Fiber slows digestion, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity over time.
• Natural, Whole Plant Foods: Instead of high-fat animal products, the program encourages plant-based meals that provide fiber, essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and are low in saturated fat. To read about the research supporting plant-based diets for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, read our blog, The Effects of Plant-Based Diets on Blood Sugar & Type 2 Diabetes.
• Sustainable Eating Habits: Rather than counting calories or eliminating entire food groups, the program promotes a way of eating that is both satisfying and health-promoting.

Alma's Message to Others

Alma’s journey is more than just a personal victory—it’s an inspiration for anyone struggling with type 2 diabetes. "If you’ve tried every diet and nothing has worked, I highly recommend this program. It’s easy to follow, never restrictive, and incredibly educational." She credits the ongoing guidance from the program’s creators, Diana and Jose, along with the support of the online community, for keeping her motivated and on track.

Her story proves that type 2 diabetes doesn’t have to be a lifelong sentence. With the right approach, it can be managed—and even reversed—without medication. "I plan to stick with this way of eating for the rest of my life because I’ve never felt better."

A Brighter Future Ahead

Thanks to the Reversing T2D Program, Alma has not only regained her health but also secured her future in New Zealand. What started as a desperate attempt to lower her A1C for visa approval turned into a complete lifestyle transformation. Now, she’s living proof that with the right tools, support, and commitment, lasting change is possible.

>> If you're interested in joining or learning more about our program, click here. <<

References

Qian F, Liu G, Hu FB, Bhupathiraju SN, Sun Q. Association Between Plant-Based Dietary Patterns and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Intern Med. 2019 Oct 1;179(10):1335-1344. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2019.2195. PMID: 31329220; PMCID: PMC6646993.

McMacken, M., & Shah, S. "A plant-based diet for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes." Clinical Diabetes, 2017.