How Raeann reversed Type 2 diabetes and dropped her A1C from 12.1 to 6.0
After conflicting medications left her feeling worse, this 57-year-old took control of her health using CGM data and monthly 72-hour fasts—and hasn't looked back.
Who: Raeann Hofkin, 57
Where: Pennsylvania
Time with Levels: 1 year
Most Useful Takeaway: Black rice doesn't spike her blood sugar like regular rice, giving her a satisfying carbohydrate option that works with her metabolism.
What was your health background before joining Levels?
I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes around 2022, and my A1C was 12.1 at that time. They put me on medication, and it seemed like every three months I would go back and they would either increase one med or increase the other med. It just went back and forth in this circular motion.
Then I discovered through a webinar that the two medications I was taking were actually working against each other. One was making me more insulin-sensitive and the other was making me more insulin-resistant. I was getting all the side effects but none of the benefits. That really ticked me off and inspired me to get involved in my own healthcare rather than just taking their word for everything.
I realized I fit almost all the boxes for insulin resistance, not just diabetes. After reading Casey Means' book, Good Energy, I felt like I was on the same path she described with her mother's declining health through the decades. I knew I had to change course.
What made you want to get a CGM?
I went to my endocrinologist asking for a continuous glucose monitor. He said, "You don't need one. You're not on insulin." I told him, "I'm trying to get one so I don't need insulin. I want to avoid that." After arguing and nagging him, he finally gave me a prescription, but my insurance wouldn't pay for it.
So I ended up paying for it myself---almost $200 a month for the 10-day sensors. But I was determined at that point that I'd rather spend it on that than medication.
What approach did you take beyond CGM monitoring?
The webinar doctor suggested I try 72-hour water fasts once a month. I was hesitant at first---I didn't want to create an eating disorder. But I've been doing that since November 2023, and I've seen huge improvements.
It was tough getting started. I had a couple of false starts because I thought I was getting the shakes, but I didn't realize that if you give it 15 minutes, you'll push right through. Now it doesn't bother me at all. I can even go food shopping during a fast and not feel tempted to fill my cart with everything I see.
What surprised you about your blood sugar responses?
Sweet potatoes were actually worse for me than regular potatoes, even though I'd read they were better on the glycemic index. So I just cut potatoes out entirely since I don't really like them anyway.
The biggest discovery was black rice. I was at a restaurant and they served black rice---I'd never even heard of it. I noticed on the CGM that the black rice didn't spike my blood sugar at all. So now I hunt down black rice and order it online rather than eating regular rice.
I also changed how I eat out. Instead of getting an appetizer when my husband and I go on our Friday date nights, I ask for my salad to be my appetizer. I eat that first, then the rest of my meal.
How has your health transformed?
My A1C went from 12.1 to 9.1 with medication, but then from 9.1 to 7.0 after I started managing it myself. My doctor got really excited and said, "I don't usually get to give good news!" In my head, I was thinking, "Maybe you should rethink your protocol."
Three months later, it was down to 6.0. That's when I came clean and told him I hadn't been taking the medications for almost a year. He was flabbergasted but asked what I was doing. When I told him it was all diet---I have a bad back so I can't exercise much---he was amazed.
I feel great now. I didn't realize how bad I felt until I got better. Gradually over the years, you just accept feeling crummy and think it's because you're getting older. But I don't feel that way anymore.
What would you tell others struggling with similar issues?
I feel like some doctors are drug pushers, just handing out pills like candy. I want my endocrinologist to help other people rather than just giving them medications. That's why I gave him Good Energy---I'm hoping he reads it so he can help others realize you don't need to manage diabetes with medication alone.
You can actually get involved in your own healthcare and see real results. The CGM has been an amazing tool---it's truly been life-changing. I can see what foods do to me in real time, and I don't want to go back to feeling the way I used to feel.
Take control of your health with Levels
Levels pairs real-time glucose data and comprehensive lab testing with clinician analysis and personalized support—everything you need to turn insights into real health improvements. Click here to get started with Levels.
