An Interview with Danielle Batiste: Turning Fear into Power with a Book on Diabetes

“Doctors gave me numbers, not tools. I needed a plan, not just an A1C.”

On this episode of The Diabetes Podcast®, we sat down with Danielle Batiste—mother, veteran, author, and advocate. She wrote the book on diabetes for people who want real help from a real story. Danielle once felt afraid and in denial. Then she learned her body, made changes, lost over 40 pounds, and turned her health around. Her message is simple and strong: diabetes is not a death sentence. It’s a wake-up call.

Who Is Danielle Batiste?

• A mom and veteran who was told she had prediabetes, then type 2 diabetes

• Author of Let Go My Glucose: Winning with Type Two and Diabetes Made Better

• Creator of a practical diabetes planner/workbook

• Advocate who believes anyone can learn, act, and improve

The Early Days: Fear and Denial

Danielle shared that denial felt like “the safest place,” even though it was dark. She didn’t feel different. She didn’t understand what diabetes was. She heard “sugar” growing up—not “diabetes.” No one explained the risks or next steps. She was told “prediabetes” twice and sent home. No plan. No tools.

The Turning Point

About a year and a half after diagnosis, her body sent a clear message:

• Hands shaking (her first sign of a low)

• Severe dry mouth

• Lots of bathroom trips
  That’s when she said, “Not me. Not today.” She started the fight. She learned. She moved her body. She paid attention to food labels. She got her numbers from her doctor. She walked. She lost weight. She took back control.

Learning What Works for Your Body

There’s a lot of information online. Danielle kept it simple:

• Listen to your body. Your body is your best teacher.

• What works for one person might not work for you.

• Use discernment. Keep what helps. Leave what doesn’t.

Wins and Setbacks

With steady walking and lifestyle change, Danielle once lowered her A1C to 4.0. That’s incredible. Instead of a celebration, she was told her pancreas was still “compromised.” That felt defeating. Later, life stress (a divorce) brought numbers back up. She didn’t quit. Today she’s at 5.7. She keeps going. That’s the real win.

What She Wishes Doctors Would Do

• Spend more time at the first visit. Explain what diabetes is and what it can do.

• Give tools, not just numbers.

• Celebrate progress and set a clear plan.

• Provide follow-up that teaches, not just tests.

Her Practical Health Habits

• Move your body: 30 minutes of walking or any exercise you can keep doing

• Read labels: watch for added sugars and total carbs

• Track your labs: not just A1C—check LDL, HDL, and more

• Foot care: get the monofilament test for feeling in your feet; don’t put lotion between toes

• Respond fast: if you see a cut, get it checked

• Know your highs and lows: shaking can mean low; headaches can signal high

• Keep going: even when it’s hard, make the next best choice

For Parents and Families

Diabetes can run in families. Danielle’s son has two parents with type 2 diabetes, so she stays alert. She talks with him about choices, but she doesn’t push fear. She models care. She hopes the genes skip him—and she teaches as she goes.

Diabetes and Community Change

Danielle believes we need better education and access—at home, at the doctor’s office, and in schools. We talked about how Japan feeds children fresh foods at school and teaches nutrition early. We can build healthier habits when we start young.

Why Her Book on Diabetes Matters

Danielle created a book and a planner because she didn’t want anyone to start where she did—lost and alone. Her workbook:

• Explains diabetes in plain language

• Gives space to write numbers big and clear

• Helps you plan meals, track meds, and log symptoms

• Feels like a tool you will actually use

Her Message to the Newly Diagnosed

• You are not broken. You are learning.

• Don’t wait. Start with one small change today.

• Ask your doctor for time and tools. You deserve answers.

• Remission is possible for many people. Even if it’s not perfect, progress counts.

• This is your body and your life. You are in charge.

Where to Find Danielle and Her Tools

• Instagram: @DiabetesMadeBetter

• Website:https://www.daniellebatiste.com/

• Books and planner: on her website and on Amazon

Final Thoughts

Danielle’s story shows that courage grows from curiosity. She listened to her body, took action, and kept going—even after setbacks. If you’re scared, angry, or in denial, you’re not alone. You can write a new story with knowledge, support, and tools that work for you. A book on diabetes can be the first step. Action is the next.

Disclaimer

The information in this blog post and podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not replace a one-on-one relationship with your physician or qualified healthcare professional. Always talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or care team before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, exercise plan, or nutrition plan—especially if you have diabetes, prediabetes, heart, liver, or kidney conditions, or take prescription drugs like metformin or insulin.

Results vary from person to person. Examples, statistics, or studies are shared to educate, not to promise outcomes. Any discussion of medications, dosing, or side effects is general in nature and may not be appropriate for your specific situation. Do not ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read or heard here. If you think you are experiencing an emergency or severe side effects (such as persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea, signs of dehydration, allergic reaction, or symptoms of lactic acidosis), call your local emergency number or seek urgent care right away.

We strive for accuracy, but health information changes over time. We make no guarantees regarding completeness, timeliness, or suitability of the content and assume no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this material. Use of this content is at your own risk.

Links or references to third-party resources are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement. By reading, listening, or using this information, you agree to these terms and understand that you are responsible for your own health decisions in partnership with your licensed healthcare provider.