Robert Reversed Prediabetes in Just 6 Weeks Without Medication

Article written and reviewed by Robby Barbaro, MPH
Published March 31, 2026

Meet Robert. For years, he found himself stuck in the same place. He had been diagnosed as prediabetic back in 2018, and despite trying multiple dietary approaches, his numbers refused to improve. His A1c remained at 5.8, hovering just above the threshold that separates normal blood sugar from metabolic dysfunction.

He knew where this could lead.

With each passing year, the risk of progressing into full type 2 diabetes increased. The possibility of medication, long-term complications, and declining health was always in the back of his mind.

He tried to fix it. But nothing seemed to work.

Trying Low-Carb Diets Without Lasting Results

Like many people dealing with elevated blood sugar, Robert turned to low-carbohydrate diets as his primary strategy.

He followed ketogenic and carnivore-style approaches, cutting carbohydrates and increasing fat intake in an effort to stabilize his glucose levels.

At first, the results seemed promising, but over time, the downsides became clear.

He began experiencing brain fog and low energy. Simple daily tasks felt more difficult. He assumed that these symptoms might be related to age, but something did not feel right.

Digestive issues also became a problem. Constipation was frequent, sometimes requiring additional support just to have regular bowel movements.

Even more frustrating, his blood sugar numbers did not significantly improve.

Despite his efforts, his A1c remained stuck.

Discovering a Different Approach

Everything changed when Robert came across the Mastering Diabetes Program.

The idea of increasing carbohydrate intake while lowering fat challenged everything he had previously believed about managing blood sugar. But the focus on improving insulin sensitivity rather than simply restricting glucose made sense.

He decided to give it a try. At the end of December, he began following a low-fat, whole-food, plant-based approach.

What happened next surprised him.

Rapid Improvements in Just Six Weeks

Within a short period of time, Robert began noticing significant changes.

His fasting blood glucose, which had previously been between 110 and 120, dropped into the 90s. This shift happened steadily over the course of six weeks.

When he returned for lab testing, his A1c had dropped from 5.8 to 5.6. In just six weeks, he moved out of the prediabetic range.

For the first time since his diagnosis in 2018, his numbers were trending in the right direction.

Robert’s Before and After Results

The changes Robert experienced in just 6 weeks were both measurable and meaningful.

Header

Before

After

A1c (%)

5.8

5.6

Fasting Blood Glucose (mg/dL)

110-120

90s

Weight (lbs)

147

138

LDL Cholesterol (mg/dL)

250

100

In addition to improvements in blood sugar, Robert lost weight quickly after starting the program. He dropped approximately 9 pounds, reaching 138 pounds.

His cholesterol markers also improved, including a significant reduction in LDL levels.

Feeling Better Within Days

Beyond the numbers, Robert noticed something even more immediate.

Within about a week of switching his diet, his energy began to improve. The brain fog he had experienced on a low-carbohydrate diet started to lift.

He felt clearer, more focused, and more energized.

Digestive issues also resolved. Instead of struggling with infrequent bowel movements, he began experiencing regular digestion without effort.

These changes reinforced that his body was responding positively to the new approach.

Rediscovering Foods He Enjoyed

One of the most enjoyable parts of the transition for Robert was being able to eat foods he had previously avoided.

On a low-carbohydrate diet, fruits like apples and strawberries were off limits. Legumes and grains were restricted or eliminated entirely.

Now, those foods became staples.

He began eating chickpeas, black beans, quinoa, fruits, and a wide variety of plant-based meals. Many of these foods were familiar to him from earlier in life, especially growing up in the South where beans and legumes were common.

He found the meals satisfying, enjoyable, and easy to prepare. Instead of feeling limited, he felt like he had more options.

A Lifestyle That Feels Sustainable

For Robert, sustainability was one of the most important factors.

Previous diets felt restrictive and difficult to maintain long term. Even when they produced short-term results, they did not feel like something he could follow for life.

This approach felt different.

He believes this way of eating is something he can continue indefinitely. The food is affordable, accessible, and enjoyable. It supports both his health and his lifestyle.

He also sees long-term benefits beyond blood sugar, including reduced reliance on healthcare and medication as he gets older.

The Role of Accountability and Community

Robert found that the structure of the program played an important role in his success.

Daily tracking of blood glucose helped him stay aware of his progress. Open office hours allowed him to learn from others in the program and gain insights from shared experiences.

Hearing from people managing more advanced stages of diabetes also motivated him to stay consistent. It reinforced the importance of taking action now to prevent progression.

He continues to stay engaged in the program to refine his habits and maintain consistency.

Preventing What Comes Next

For Robert, this journey is not just about improving current numbers. It is about preventing what could come next.

He understands that progressing from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes often leads to more serious complications, including cardiovascular issues and cognitive decline.

By improving his insulin sensitivity now, he is actively working to avoid those outcomes. That clarity gives him a strong sense of purpose.

What Robert Wants Others to Know

Robert believes that many people feel stuck when their numbers do not improve despite trying different diets. He has been there. 

After years of seeing no progress, he understands how discouraging it can feel. But his experience shows that change is possible when you address the root cause.

He encourages others to give the program a real chance and to stay consistent with the approach.

Ready to See Results Like Robert?

If you have been living with prediabetes, struggling to lower your A1c, or feeling stuck despite trying multiple approaches, Robert’s story shows that meaningful change can happen quickly.

Book a free discovery call with one of our advisors and learn how to begin your own transformation.

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About the author 

Robby Barbaro, MPH

Robby Barbaro, MPH is a New York Times bestselling co-author of Mastering Diabetes: The Revolutionary Method to Reverse Insulin Resistance Permanently in Type 1, Type 1.5, Type 2, Prediabetes, and Gestational Diabetes.

Robby was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 12 and has been living this lifestyle since 2006. In that time, while eating pounds of fruit every day, his HbA1c has been stable with a current A1c of 5.3%, TIR of 92%, and average total daily insulin use of 30 units.

Robby graduated from the University of Florida and is the cofounder of Mastering Diabetes and Amla Green. He worked at Forks Over Knives for six years before turning his attention in 2016 to coaching people with diabetes full time.

He is the co-host of the annual Mastering Diabetes Online Summit, a featured speaker at VegFest LA, and has been featured on The Doctors, Forks Over Knives, Vice, Thrive Magazine, Diet Fiction, and the wildly popular podcasts the Rich Roll Podcast, Plant Proof, MindBodyGreen, and Nutrition Rounds.

Robby enjoys exercising every day, spending time with friends, and sharing his lifestyle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.