### A Teen's Journey to Reversing Type 2 Diabetes In the past two years, 17-year-old Tayé Baker made significant changes to his diet and lifestyle, leading to a brighter future. After being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and experiencing a life-threatening episode of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in August 2019, Tayé lost over a third of his body weight—118 pounds. This weight loss helped put his diabetes into remission. Tayé's daily routine included up to 100 sit-ups and 45-minute stationary bike sessions. He also adopted a new way of eating, saying goodbye to unhealthy foods like grease-fried chicken. Initially, he had to take insulin injections, but with the support of his mother, Michelle Stewart, and his healthcare team, he was able to stop the injections. Tayé's commitment was evident. He understood that managing diabetes would be a lifelong journey. His weight dropped from 306 pounds to 188 pounds, and his body mass index (BMI) went from 46.5 (morbidly obese) to 27.0 (overweight but healthier). His A1C levels, a measure of average blood sugar over three months, dropped from 11.4 to 5.2, which is considered normal. Exercise played a crucial role in Tayé's transformation. He incorporated activities he enjoyed, like playing basketball with friends, and found creative ways to stay active indoors during the pandemic. His mother also made significant changes to their diet, using an air fryer instead of grease frying and measuring portions carefully. As Tayé prepares for college, he aims to study computer science and dreams of owning his own company. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will be crucial for him to keep his diabetes in remission. His story serves as an inspiration for other young people to take control of their health through diet and exercise. ### Related Topics - How Exercise Helps Prevent and Manage Type 2 Diabetes - The Importance of a Diabetes-Friendly Diet - Tips for Staying Active Indoors