How did you find out you have type 2 diabetes?

I was experiencing symptoms like excessive urination and drastic weight loss. I finally went to the doctor and they gave me the diagnosis. I was distraught and anxious; I didn’t know how to take the news or what to expect. Also, as a new father at the time, I felt like a failure.

Out of fear, I took every suggestion from the specialists, from medications to big lifestyle changes, but my blood sugar levels were still high. It was frustrating and overwhelming. I wanted drastic results right away, but I realized that was the wrong approach over time.

It’s about making the right choices, not drastic ones. Yes, you can have a cookie, but don’t overdo it. Go for a walk. Take the stairs once in a while. Small, achievable, sustainable changes help you in the long term. It’s a process. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

How does diabetes affect your day-to-day life?

I’ve added 30- to 40-minute walks to my days. Sometimes I’ll be on a phone call and will take that time to go out for a walk. I’ve had to adopt the mindset that whatever I put in, I put a little bit more out. I’ve also changed my diet. I don’t drink alcohol anymore, except at the occasional party; and even then, I’ve switched from rum and cola to scotch and soda. I’m a pescatarian now, meaning my diet is mostly fish and veggies—and it turns out I like it! Give me a piece of catfish or swordfish and I’m in heaven.

The daily testing is annoying because I don’t have a continuous glucose monitor, so I still use needles. And I also wish there was an easier way to get to the blood sugar levels I want.

What impact has diabetes had on your physical and mental health?

It was tough mentally in the beginning because I felt shame and frustration. I kept asking, “Why me?” You try to figure out where you went wrong before realizing it was something you did to your body over time. Physically, I was a football player and was always working out and eating and it was a good balance. Then I stopped playing football, so the exercise stopped but the eating continued. It happened gradually, but my weight went up to 345 pounds. Now, I’m down to 292 pounds and my clothes don’t fit, but that’s great. I don’t feel my brain is as clogged or foggy either.

What tools make living with this condition easier?

Obviously, the insulin and medications help. Monitoring lets me know where I’m at in the morning and shows the impact of the night before (for instance, if I had a soft drink or chocolate bar). I’m not a strict dieter. If I go to an amusement park, I’ll have a cola. But there are times when I look at the test and say, “You’ve got to change that, Kev. Maybe you shouldn’t have done that.” And then for the next couple of days, I know what I have to do. Monitoring has really helped me grasp where I am and where I should be. It’s empowering.

What support have you had from your employer?

My employer has been so supportive. There were a couple of times when I tried medications and the dosage was too high and it upset my digestive system. Also, I’ve had episodes of jitters that required hospitalization. When my supervisor was asked about my absences, he went to bat for me. He explained what was happening and that I wasn’t abusing the system. At the time, I was a community recreation programmer, so I had to be there to do my job. However, my supervisor understood that I didn’t want to let people down and that my life was more important than the job at that moment. That showed me I was valued as a person, not just a worker.

A lot of the work we do is sedentary, which isn’t good for someone who needs to get up and move. So being able to go for a walk and clear my head or even leave the building is crucial. We have the option of getting a sit-stand desk—and requests are approved right away. We got rid of the vending machines at our facilities, but my employer provides glucose tablets, when needed. That’s very good for people with type 2 diabetes. If you’re in the gym or working out and feel lightheaded, they’re in our first-aid kits.

Does the fact that this is a mostly “invisible” illness make it easier or harder?

It makes it harder. I don’t have a patch or anything that signals to people that I have diabetes, so some don’t understand why I’m sitting still in a meeting and sweating. They might make a soft joke and say, “It’s not even hot in here,” and I laugh it off. But then there are times when I have to get up and go for a walk. If it’s with colleagues I work with closely who know, I can say, “I just need a minute” and they support me. And if they see me in a bad state or with low energy, they’ll say, “Let me know if you need apple juice” or simply, “Kevin, you good?” They check in with me. Even though having this invisible illness is difficult, I’ve found an incredible support system, which makes it much easier.

What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed with diabetes?

Don’t panic. Don’t blame yourself. Don’t try to bully or outsmart the disease. Realize this is a lifelong process and it’s going to take small and subtle changes for you to get where you need to be. Live your life, enjoy the things you want to enjoy, just do it in moderation. As a coach, I know you’ve got to have a counter to the defense or a counter to the offense—and know what you did wrong so you can correct it. I keep that in mind when I test too high or too low. I also remind myself that it’s not about winning the championship right away. Your championship is down the road. You might not even be able to see it, but it’s going to come.