Health Tips Based on Experience

Before diabetes entered my life, I believed everything was normal. I felt strong, healthy, and in control. I never imagined that something unexpected was coming something that would change my life, my habits, my mindset, and even my spiritual understanding. Looking back, I now realize that my body was sending signals, warning me, calling for help. But I ignored them. I brushed them aside. I pretended everything was fine.

And because I ignored the signs, I paid the price.

This blog post is my story how I overlooked the early symptoms of diabetes, how my lifestyle contributed to my illness, and the powerful lessons I learned through God’s Word and personal experience. My hope is that my journey encourages you to listen to your body, be disciplined, and take steps toward a healthier lifestyle before it’s too late.

Life Before Diabetes: When Everything Felt “Normal”

Before anything else, let me say this: I truly believed I was normal. I thought everything was under control. I had no worries, no fears, no thoughts about sickness or future consequences. I lived my life freely, without discipline, without awareness, and without responsibility for my health.

During that time, I was living in Manila, renting a small apartment while running a small water station business. I was enjoying my vacation, enjoying my routine, and enjoying my habits even the unhealthy ones.

Every morning, I would buy around 60 pesos worth of pandesal. And every day, I consumed 5 to 6 packs of 3‑in‑1 coffee. I didn’t think about sugar. I didn’t think about calories. I didn’t think about long‑term effects. I simply enjoyed what I was doing.

I had no idea that behind this daily routine, I was slowly building a future illness one that would hit me hard.

Ignoring the Signals My Body Was Sending

My body was already giving me signs. I felt changes small discomforts, unusual tiredness, strange thirst, and other symptoms that I didn’t understand at the time. But instead of paying attention, I ignored them.

Why?

Because I felt strong. Because I thought nothing bad could happen. Because I believed I was in control. Because I didn’t want to think about sickness.

Sometimes, we ignore the truth because we don’t want to face it. And sometimes, we ignore the signs because we think we are invincible.

But the truth is this:

We decide what we become in the future. Our habits today shape our health tomorrow.

A Quote I Didn’t Understand Until It Became Real

I remember one of my trainers once said:

“If you don’t know what you’re doing, then you don’t know where you’re going.”

At that time, I heard the words, but I didn’t understand them. I didn’t pay attention. I wasn’t interested. I thought it was just another motivational line from a seminar.

But when diabetes hit me, that quote suddenly made sense.

I didn’t know what I was doing with my body. I didn’t know what I was doing with my health. I didn’t know what I was doing with my habits.

So of course, I didn’t know where I was going and where I ended up was sickness.

God’s Word Opened My Eyes

When I look back now, I realize that God had already given us guidance through His Word. Verses that teach us to be wise, to be aware, to be disciplined, and to understand what we are doing with our lives.

Ephesians 5:15–17

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time… understanding what the will of the Lord is.”

This verse reminds us to be mindful of our actions including how we treat our bodies.

Romans 12:2

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”

This teaches us to change our mindset, to renew our thinking, and to make decisions that honor God.

Hosea 4:6

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…”

This verse hit me deeply. I was destroyed because I lacked knowledge. I rejected the signs. I ignored the warnings. I didn’t want to learn. And because of that, I suffered.

These verses became my pattern my guide to understand what I was doing wrong and how I needed to change.

Health Is Wealth But Many Don’t Understand It

We often hear the saying “Health is wealth.” But many people don’t truly understand what it means.

Health is not just about avoiding sickness. Health is not just about feeling strong today. Health is not just about eating what you want.

Health is an investment. Health is discipline. Health is awareness. Health is responsibility.

Many people only realize this when it’s too late when sickness has already taken over, when the damage is already done, when recovery becomes difficult.

I was one of those people.

The Hard Lesson: Ignoring Signs Leads to Pain

If I had listened to my body earlier… If I had paid attention to the changes… If I had been aware of my habits… If I had been disciplined…

I could have prevented the worst part of my diabetes.

But I ignored everything. And I paid the price.

This is why I share my story not to scare you, but to remind you:

Do not ignore anything that feels uncomfortable. Do not ignore the food you eat daily. Do not ignore the signals your body sends.

Your body speaks. Your body warns. Your body protects you if you listen.

Discipline Is the Key

The biggest lesson in my diabetic journey is discipline.

• Discipline in food
• Discipline in timing
• Discipline in habits
• Discipline in awareness
• Discipline in lifestyle

We need to understand what is too much and what is too little. We need to understand the effect of food on our body. We need to understand the importance of balance.

Eating more is not always good. Eating less is not always healthy. Eating without awareness is dangerous.

Discipline is not punishment it is protection.

My Message to You

I hope my story encourages you to be more aware of your body, your habits, and your lifestyle. Don’t wait for sickness to teach you the lesson. Don’t wait for pain to open your eyes. Don’t wait for regret to change your life.

Be disciplined now. Be aware now. Be responsible now.

Your future health depends on the choices you make today.

Conclusion

Thank you once again for your time reading my diabetic journey. I share this story because it is real, and I hope it inspires you to take care of your body, listen to the signs, and live with discipline.

Your thoughts matter to me, and I’m always happy to hear from you.

Stay healthy. Stay aware. Stay disciplined.

Your future self will thank you.

Reynaldo M. Oliva