‘I changed my life’: Dublin resident shares success story after diabetes diagnosis

“I changed my life, because my mom died when she was 51," Ellen Cheeks said.

DUBLIN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — We’re always told exercise and diet are very important for our health, but it can also be lifesaving.

A Dublin resident battling diabetes is sharing how she reversed its effects through exercise and diet.

“I changed my life because my mom died when she was 51, and watching her going through the changes she went through, I began to think, ‘Okay, what can I do to do better and change my life?'”

After being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, 61-year-old Ellen Cheeks had to face a choice: medication or a complete lifestyle change. That’s when she started by walking several miles every day.

“About five years ago, I was diagnosed with type two diabetes,” she said. “I said, ‘The devil is a lie.’ They said I can control it with diet and exercise, but I was already doing all that, so what am I not doing?'”

Her daily commitment turned into a full fitness journey, leading her to join Planet Fitness to take her workout routine to the next level.

“I kept researching and researching because I didn’t want to go through the same thing my mom went through,” she said. “I didn’t want to die from diabetes or other health issues.”

As a result, Ellen lost 50 pounds and lowered her A1C from an 8 to a 5 – proving it’s never too late to reclaim your health through movement and mindful choices.

“If I worked out and I looked good for myself, I felt good, so I like to look good.”

Ellen’s journey is a testament that you can begin your wellness journey at any time in life.

“It’s never too late, don’t be negative,” she said. “Don’t be negative about yourself. You can do anything you put your mind to, and don’t worry about what other people say, just do you.”