Mila Clarke Buckley was diagnosed withtype 2 diabeteswhen she was 24.
Over time, Buckley began meal prepping and discovered she actually enjoyed cooking.
Now 31, Buckley is the founder of the popular food blogHangry Woman, which she created in 2016.
One person with type 2 diabetes explains how they transformed their relationship with food.
There she shares recipes and diabetes tips with her readership.
First, I was always thirsty; I could drink a gallon of water and still feel parched.
I regularly woke up soaked with sweat, even when it was cold out.
Still, I assumed that everything was largely okay with my health since my doctor didnt seem too concerned.
I was then diagnosed with key in 2 diabetes and suddenly my mysterious symptoms made sense.
I felt a little frustrated, though, because he didnt give specific advice on how to do that.
And I couldnt find the resources that I felt like I needed.
I had to figure a lot of it out on my own.
That began with making meals for myself at home.
My family is Jamaican, and we love rice, oxtail, and stews.
Theyre unhealthy because theyre traditionally high in carbs, salt, and saturated fat.
I wanted to eat more mindfully without completely eliminating the food I love.
Using this data, I figured out how to modify my go-to dishes.
Broccoli, fresh green beans, and brussels sprouts slowly became staples on my plate.
Whipping up meals became more fun as I experimented with different disheslike pizza.
I used low-fat, part-skim cheeses instead of full-fat cheeses sometimes.
I also added more veggiesspinach, artichokes, and tomatoesto boost the fiber and flavor of my pizzas.
When I shared new dishes that I made on Facebook, my friends and family couldnt get enough.
Thats whenHangry Womanwas bornand it eventually became my full-time job!
I have more energy, and everything just feelsright.
Despite all of my improvements, my doctor didnt think my A1C levels were consistently low enough.
Last year I saw an endocrinologist and had more blood work done.
Nothing has really changed except that my doctor doesnt discuss my weight.
I want people to know that its possible to have a good life with diabetes.
Its all about trial and error, and figuring out what works for you.
you could manage your blood sugarandlove every bite of the food youre eatingIm proof of it.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
