Meet Victor

I am 31 years old, living in Omaha, Nebraska. For most of my adult life, I’ve been a bigger guy. I struggled through high school and college—gaining weight, not making conscious food choices, never seeing the inside of a gym, and not really caring. I sadly never considered how likely it was to affect my future.

I have a severe family history of diabetes and have watched many close relatives suffer from this silent disease. Genetically, I was extremely predisposed to develop it myself. For years I watched my mother endure eye injections, a quadruple bypass, neuropathy, and constant blood sugar battles. In my family, talk of blood sugars, health problems, and the word “diabetes” was always present—yet I never paid much attention. I wish I had.

In early 2023, I hit rock bottom mentally. I was eating heavy amounts of fast food every day, working a job I hated, and not enjoying my life. I hadn’t seen a physician in well over ten years and was terrified to go. “I don’t need to go! Nothing’s wrong with me.” The signs were there—the obvious weight gain, the mental instability, and the constant urge to urinate every time I passed a restroom. I finally met with my doctor in Omaha. She ran the necessary tests and, lo and behold, I was a severe type 2 diabetic. She couldn’t say how long it had been, but the tests suggested many years.

After that phone call, I cried—harder than I ever have. She told me I needed to begin insulin injections immediately and to check my glucose levels three times a day. I’ll never forget the first reading: I sat there, crying, staring at the white numbers “289” on the glucose meter.

My A1C was 13.2. Hearing it wasn’t a shock, but it overwhelmed me. What am I going to do? How am I going to live like this? kept running through my mind.

I was told I needed to change my life or face an untimely death. My doctor said it wouldn’t be easy, but it is possible to put type 2 diabetes into remission. Looking back, I’m forever grateful to her. She held up a mirror, and I didn’t like what I saw. She gave me the news and, in so many words, said, “Here are the cards you’ve been handed—now let’s move forward together.” I took it to heart. I started a strict diet and got a gym membership with a friend’s help. I watched what I ate and how much. I began taking Ozempic. Regardless of the not-so-pretty media stigma, I truly believe it saved me. With diet and exercise, I went from a 48-inch waist to a 34/32.

The love and support I’ve received this last year has kept me going. Family, friends—even strangers—sent well wishes and encouragement. On a whim, I emailed the iconic Richard Simmons about my struggles. A few days later, he personally replied, making my whole year.

Many people avoid the doctors but not you. I am so proud of you and you should be proud of you too. Now you have to keep going strong. Be true to your health choices and try to move as much as you can.

—Richard Simmons

His words will forever be in my head.

Over the last few years, my A1C dropped from 13.2 in March 2023 to 6.3 in June 2023, and 5.7 in April 2024. I’ve also been researching how many people—especially younger adults—are walking around undiagnosed with this silent, deadly disease, like I was.

To anyone reading this: don’t be afraid to go to the doctor. Don’t ignore the signs. Eat as healthfully as you can, and choose a path that supports a longer, healthier life.