Fighting Type 2 Diabetes: How We Took the First Step Together

Fighting Type 2 Diabetes: How We Took the First Step Together

Hey friends, I’m back with another post about how my family and I are working together to help my husband fight Type 2 Diabetes. If you missed my first post, Fighting Type 2 Diabetes as a Family: Our Journey to Healing

I shared some of the biggest challenges we faced in the beginning, including:

• Too much sugar 🍭

• Late-night eating 🌙

• A serious candy habit 🍬

• Not enough movement or rest 💤

Today, I want to focus on just one of those challenges — sugar—specifically, my husband Mark’s morning coffee habit.

Mark’s Biggest Downfall: The Triple Triple

Like so many people, Mark needed his morning coffee to get the day started. But his coffee wasn’t just a cup of coffee — it was a triple triple from Tim Hortons. That means three creams and three sugars in every single cup.

It was his daily ritual. He knew the woman at the drive-thru window, and she knew his order by heart. She would even joke about how Mark drank more cream than coffee! It was such a big part of his routine that we knew changing it wouldn’t be easy.

But if Mark was serious about managing his Type 2 Diabetes, this was the first habit we had to tackle.

How We Made the Change (Step by Step)

Instead of quitting cold turkey, Mark decided to take small, manageable steps. Even the drive-thru employee wanted to help him succeed!

Here’s how we did it:

1. Weeks 1–2: He cut back to a double-double (two creams, two sugars).
2. Weeks 3–4: Switched from regular creamer to half-and-half and replaced sugar with Splenda.
3. Final Step: Moved from Splenda to natural sweeteners, like honey. 🍯

This gradual approach worked beautifully. It didn’t feel overwhelming, and it gave Mark time to adjust to each change before taking the next step.

Shop Our Coffee Favorites ☕

One of the best parts of this journey has been slowing down and enjoying coffee together at home. It’s become more than just a morning habit — it’s a little ritual that feels special and comforting. Mark and I love trying different blends, playing around with sweeteners, and of course, sipping from beautiful cups that make the moment feel even more elevated.

Here are some of our coffee essentials and favorites you can bring into your own home:

Our Go-To Coffee Picks

• Tim Hortons Coffee– The same rich coffee Mark used to grab on the go, now brewed fresh in our kitchen.
• Folgers Decaf– Perfect for cozy evenings when we want coffee without the caffeine buzz.

Creamers & Sweeteners

• Half & Half – A smooth, classic choice for that creamy finish.
• Raw Honey– Our favorite natural sweetener and a delicious alternative to sugar.
• Splenda– A great step-down sweetener when cutting back on sugar.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener– All-natural options for a guilt-free sweet touch.

Beautiful Coffee Cups

We make our coffee ritual extra special with mugs we truly love — some bold and masculine for Mark, others soft and feminine for me.

• Classic Masculine Mugs– Sleek and sturdy designs with a modern edge.
• Elegant Feminine Cups– Delicate, stylish cups that make mornings feel like a treat.
• Coffee Scented Candle– I love the warm, cozy aroma of coffee, even when it’s just from a candle. There’s something about that rich scent that instantly puts me in the mood while I’m brewing my morning cup.

Why It Matters

These little swaps — like making coffee at home or switching to honey instead of sugar — can add up to big changes over time. Plus, there’s something so meaningful about sharing a cup of coffee with the people you love while knowing you’re making healthier choices together. 💛

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The Results: A Small Win That Matters

This may sound like a small change, but it was HUGE for Mark. Not only did he adjust to drinking his coffee with less sugar and cream, but he also lost five pounds just from this one change!

Can we get a big “Yessss, Mark!” 🎉

Seeing those results gave him — and our whole family — the motivation to keep going. It reminded us that fighting Type 2 Diabetes isn’t about making one giant change overnight. It’s about taking it one step at a time and celebrating the little victories along the way.

Final Thoughts

If you or someone you love is facing Type 2 Diabetes, don’t underestimate the power of starting small. Something as simple as changing how you take your morning coffee can set you on the path to better health.

We’re continuing our journey, one habit at a time, and I’ll keep sharing what’s working for us. Stay tuned for the next step in our fight against Type 2 Diabetes. 💙

With all my heart, I hope you’ve found something meaningful in this post. This isn’t one of my usual home and décor topics, but it’s deeply connected to lifestyle and family health, which are just as important to me. Sharing something so personal isn’t always easy, but I felt called to open up because if our journey can help even one person or family live a little healthier, it’s worth it. This is just the beginning — I have so much more to share with you, from practical tips to delicious recipes that have made a difference for us. So be sure to check back, because this journey is ongoing, and I truly believe you’ll find it both helpful and inspiring. Until next time, xoxo