Hyvelle had a lengthy recovery, which inspired her to help others make lasting changes.
Now she volunteers with the American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association.
Here is her diary.
Amanda Bailey
7 a.m.
Rise and shineits time to test my blood sugar!
I pull out my testing kits and check my blood glucose and blood pressure.
Some days I can only do a few blocks, and other days I can rack up a mile.
I have a cup of hot herbal tea and breakfast.
Imake a smoothie, which I love because its so delicious and easy to make.
2 p.m.
Every Sunday, we have a family sit-down dinner.
Today we are having fresh steamed fish that my husband caught.
We are so blessed because of it, and my husband is now a real fisherman.
I love Sundays because I get to relax completely.
I dont make any phone calls or even use the computer.
Instead, I nap, because my chest starts to feel heavy if I dont get enough rest.
6 p.m.
My snack today is a cup of Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of granola on top.
I love crunchy food!
I check my blood sugar levels before bed, and the reading is a bit high.
I drink a cup of tea, take my medications, and go to bed.
I didnt sleep very well last night.
I get up and test myblood sugarand blood pressure.
Both are higher than normal, so I take my medications and go back to bed for a bit.
My husband makes meoatmealfor breakfast using almond milk, protein powder, cinnamon, nuts, and apple pieces.
Today I make a big kale salad with tuna and pita bread.
5 p.m.
Its almost dinnertime, and my son helps me prepare a comforting meal.
7 p.m.
Im so exhausted from my day of appointments, so I start winding down.
I pull out my testing kit to check my blood sugar level, and its higher than normal.
I take my medications and rest for a bit before getting out of bed.
I grab two bottles of water, and I head out for a walk with a friend.
I eat that with a side of fresh strawberries and peaches, along with a cup of hot tea.
I go grocery shopping and visit the produce section first.
I started gardening so I could have high-quality veggies without spending as much at the store.
We all share our harvests.
One of our favorites is lemonade made of ground dates instead of sugar.
I love our Taco Tuesday tradition because its a fun way to get everyone involved in the kitchen.
I take my dog for a walk around the neighborhood since Tuesdays are my designated night for walking King.
I help my son clean up after our taco buffet and then its time for bed.
I test my blood sugar, take my meds, drink some more water, and go to sleep.
I check my blood sugar level and blood pressure.
I grab water and head out for my morning walk with my friend.
While walking, I share an inspirational video in my WhatsApp group about overcoming obstacles.
I love seeing other peoples workout posts.
It gives me the motivation to do even more!
I also eat two slices of turkey bacon, whole-wheat toast, and drink a cup of tea.
I water the plants in my garden and pick a few tomatoes.
I love that gardening has taught me patience and commitment.
I never knew I had such a green thumb!
Afterward, I get myself organized and start paying bills and do some other household duties.
Today I make a tuna wrap with blueberries and a peach on the side.
I also enjoy a glass of water with mint leaves and sliced cucumbers.
Tonights dinner reminds me of my childhood.
I learned to adjust my cooking so I can eat meals that I enjoy with my needs in mind.
This helps us tremendously because we dont lose our culture or the authenticity in our cooking.
After all, the flavors are still there!
I checked my blood pressure and blood sugar, and my numbers are a bit high.
I take my medications, drink a bottle of water, and go to bed.
I wake up early, do my readings, grab some water, and head out for a walk.
My friend and I walk a few blocks this morning, and I feel like I conquered the world.
I take a video during my walk and post it to my WhatsApp group chat.
I usually post in our chat every morning.
I have a late lunch today.
Its so important to me that I have supportive family and friends.
For dinner tonight, I make a kale salad with sauteed mushrooms, lentils, and kidney beans.
I take my medication and am off to bed.
I overslept because I was having back spasms earlier this morning and feeling some heaviness in my chest.
I check my blood sugar and blood pressure (the latter is high).
I take my medications and go back to bed so I can get some rest.
I make a quick smoothie that has protein powder, fruit, and vegetables.
Having breakfast is crucial to maintaining stable blood sugar, and smoothies are such a quick and simple meal.
I feel better after resting, so I get up and do some light chores around the house.
I start to prepare dinner too.
On Fridays Imeal-prepand make a pot of soup with veggies as well as salads.
Today a friend invited me to lunch at a Greek restaurant.
Ive lost many friends during my health journey because my lifes different now.
But I know the friends I have today really care about me.
Its nice to be out chatting and enjoying the company of another person.
After looking at the menu, I order chicken kabobs on a bed of Greek salad.
Friday nights are pizza night.
Tonight we order takeout and I enjoy one slice with a big salad.
My husband made a smoothie and left it for me in the refrigerator before he went to work.
I finally drink my smoothie for lunch since I havent eaten and know my blood sugar will be low.
I snack on some hummus, veggies, and baked chips.
Before COVID-19, my husband and I would go on dinner dates on Saturdays.
Now we are very careful and dont go out much even though weve both been vaccinated.
Tonight we order takeout from our favorite Caribbean restaurant for our date.
I have salmon, a baked potato, and spinach.
After dinner, we watch a movie, which is a perfect end to our date.
