How Debbie Reversed Diabetes in 90 Days Without Medication

Article written and reviewed by Tara Kemp, PhD
Published November 7, 2025

Meet Debbie Gilbert, from London, Kentucky. After years of battling type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and fatigue, she decided she was done with expensive prescriptions and endless frustration and took control of her health once and for all.

Just 90 days after joining the Mastering Diabetes Coaching Program, she went from an A1c of 8.3 to 5.6 and completely eliminated all diabetes medications. Today, she’s vibrant, medication-free, and inspiring others to believe that it’s never too late to change.

“I Was Sick of Being Sick”

Debbie’s diabetes journey began years earlier, after long-term prednisone use for rheumatoid arthritis triggered medically induced type 2 diabetes. Over time, she tried nearly every diet under the sun: Atkins, keto, Mediterranean; but nothing truly worked.

By early 2024, she was taking insulin, Mounjaro, and then Rybelsus. But despite the medication, her blood sugar kept climbing.

“I remember going to the pharmacy and being told it would cost $648 for 30 pills. That was the day I decided I was done. Medicine wasn’t fixing me, and I wasn’t getting better.”

Debbie had first discovered Mastering Diabetes before COVID, but this time, she was ready to commit. She booked a free discovery call and decided to join coaching on July 7, 2025, and made a decision that would change her life.

“By the Second Day, I Knew It Worked”

The results came fast.

“The second day that I was on the program, I realized this works. This actually works.”

Before joining, Debbie’s fasting glucose sometimes spiked to 197 mg/dL, even on days she didn’t eat until lunch. Within days of following the Mastering Diabetes Method, her numbers began to drop.

Now, her fasting glucose is consistently in the 80s mg/dL.

Header

June 2025

September 2025

A1c (%)

8.3

5.6

Fasting Blood Glucose (mg/dL)

197

82-85

Cholesterol

159

137

Triglycerides

180

120

Medication

Monjaro, Rybelsus, hydrochlorothiazide, and Losartan

Losartan

Insulin Levels

29.4

13.9

C-Peptide

5.0+

3.0

Weight (lbs)

190

175

“I used to get frustrated with myself for not taking better care of my health. Now I just feel glad — empowered. I feel healthy. I’m turning 70, and I feel like I’m just getting started.”

From Medication to Mastery

Before the program, Debbie was taking a long list of prescriptions: Mounjaro, Rybelsus, Humalog insulin, hydrochlorothiazide, and Losartan.

Today, she’s officially off all diabetes medications and only takes a small dose of blood pressure medicine, which her doctor expects to taper soon.

“I’m officially off all diabetes meds. I never thought I’d say that. My doctor told me I’d be on them for life, but here I am.”

The transformation wasn’t just physical. It was financial, too.

“It doesn’t make sense to spend your hard-earned money on medications that don’t work. I was paying hundreds every month and not getting better. This program was the best investment I’ve made in years.”

Rediscovering Joy and Purpose

Debbie didn’t just regain her health — she rediscovered joy, creativity, and community.

She fills her kitchen with bowls of colorful grapes instead of candy, experiments with plant-based recipes, and even created a three-bean chili that’s become a hit at local senior expos.

“I made a crockpot of chili for our community event, and people couldn’t believe it didn’t have meat. Even the firefighters wanted the recipe!”

Her newfound energy has inspired her clients, coworkers, and even her grandchildren, including a set of triplets, to eat healthier.

“I wanted to do this for them. I know they’re watching, and I want them to see what’s possible. You never get too old to change.”

“I Was Tired of Spending Money and Not Getting Better”

Debbie helps seniors navigate Medicare plans for a living, so she’s seen firsthand how expensive and discouraging chronic illness can be.

“It’s heartbreaking to see people choosing between groceries and medication. I didn’t want that to be my story. I wanted to spend my money on something that would actually make me better, and the Mastering Diabetes Method did.”

Her stress has melted away, she sleeps deeply, and she’s lost 15 pounds without trying.

“I used to weigh myself every day. Now I don’t. I just trust the process. The weight comes off naturally when your body starts healing.”

A New Mission: Helping Others Find Hope

Debbie now uses her platform to spread hope to others living with type 2 diabetes.

“I think people are held hostage by their diagnosis. Doctors say, ‘You’re doing good, but you’ll be back.’ That’s what makes me sad. I want to change that narrative.”

She hopes to one day host a healthy cooking show for seniors and keep teaching others that diabetes is not a life sentence.

“I was tired of being sick and tired. I made the decision to get better, and that changed everything. When you get sick enough and tired enough, you’ll do anything to heal. And that’s where transformation begins.”

“Don’t Wait, Just Do It”

Debbie’s advice for anyone considering the program is simple.

“Get the Mastering Diabetes book. Read it. Try one change at a time. Look at what you’ve already spent on medication that hasn’t worked. Then make the decision to invest in yourself. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

Her husband, once skeptical, is now her biggest cheerleader.

“He tells everyone what I’m doing. He’s so proud. And honestly, I’m proud too. This program didn’t just save my life, it gave me purpose.”

Ready to See Results Like Debbie?

If you’re ready to take control of your blood sugar, lower your A1c, and finally get off medication like Debbie, our team can help.

Book a free discovery call with one of our advisors today, and learn how the Mastering Diabetes Coaching Program can help you reverse insulin resistance for good.

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About the author 

Tara Kemp, PhD

Tara Kemp, PhD is a contributing writer for Mastering Diabetes. She is a mental health coach, researcher, and writer. Tara received her PhD in Psychosocial Health from Northern Arizona University and has a background in nutrition education with previous positions at organizations like Forks Over Knives, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, and Plant-Strong. Tara is also the founder of Reconnect Collective.

Tara’s research specialization is the foundations and mechanisms of a healthy relationship with food, body, and self. She was the principal investigator and lead author of the groundbreaking INFINITE study, which explored the role of food and nutrition in recovery from substance use disorders. During her doctorate program at Northern Arizona University, she was involved in the Nutritarian Women’s Health Study, and her dissertation research focused on how a plant-based diet influences individuals’ recovery from disordered eating.

Tara’s work combines evidence-based practices from various disciplines to support people in addressing the root cause of their challenges while also building the foundations and skills of mental health to cultivate lasting well-being.