For almost one in 10 Oklahomans living with diabetes, it means constantly checking blood sugars, visits to the doctor and expensive medications.
But for a growing number of diabetics, It means making life-style changes to control or, even reverse their disease.
"I thought when you were diagnosed as a diabetic you were that way for the rest of your life," said diabetic Robert Reed.
But after 10 years of medications and complications like high blood pressure.
Robert Reed is trying something that may reverse his diabetes.
"I was never told that it could be reversed," Reed said.
Or that it may be possible to eliminate his need for medications.
"I'm the type of person I gotta see results," Reed said. "If I don't see results boom, bye-bye!"
At church, Reed heard about treating diabetes through a life-style change involving his diet.
He's cooking up one of his new favorites... meatless fajitas.
"I would not have eaten this way before, because within this is some zucchini, some yellow squash, mushroom, onions, jack fruit shredded and just seasoned with fajita seasoning," Reed explains.
Dr. Brent Beasley is helping Reed change his disease through what he eats.
"If you really want to make a difference in Type 2 diabetes, if you really want to see a change, the number one thing you can do is change your diet," Dr. Beasley said.
When Reed decided to become vegan, he wasn't sure there would be any effect, so he checked his numbers before changing his diet.
"When I first saw the doctor a little over 30 days ago, my blood pressure was 165 over 68, my weight was 274, my blood sugars were over 200," Reed said.
After 30-days eating plant-based meals, Reed's blood sugars were around 95 and 80. He reduced his blood pressure and half of his blood sugar medications.
In another three months, If his numbers stay down, Reed may be able to stop all his meds, including the blood pressure and diabetes medication.
"It's not a diet to me, it's a lifestyle change," Reed said.
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