My name is John Osgood, and in May 2018, I received a life-changing diagnosis: type 2 diabetes. It’s important to note that this was roughly 2000 days ago. At that time, my A1c level was a staggering 13.5%. The diagnosis came as a result of a routine check-up with my primary care physician, which I had scheduled to refill my blood pressure medication. Little did I know that this appointment would alter the course of my life.

After undergoing some blood work, I anxiously awaited the results. To my surprise, I received a phone call the very next day, requesting that I return to my doctor’s office. There, I was given the news that I had type 2 diabetes and was prescribed METFORMIN. The doctor explained that this condition would be a lifelong companion, and I was devastated. My family had a history of multiple generations battling type 2 diabetes, witnessing even the strongest men in our clan succumbing to this debilitating illness – my grandfather, great uncles, and family friends all fought an uphill battle against the same enemy. As a truck driver, the side effects of metformin sometimes made my job feel nearly impossible, and it seemed as though I had just been handed a death sentence.

My journey with health issues began earlier, in 2008, when I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. I woke up one morning with what I thought was a stroke – the left side of my face was paralyzed, and my blood pressure had skyrocketed. The emergency room diagnosis was Bell’s palsy, a nerve issue linked to a past bout of chickenpox.