Thriving with Diabetes: Chef Robert Lewis’ Journey to Health and Happiness

Managing diabetes can feel like a daunting journey, but for Chef Robert Lewis, it’s been a pathway to rediscovery, resilience, and a thriving lifestyle. 

Chef Robert Lewis, known as “The Happy Diabetic,” has made it his mission to empower others living with diabetes through education, delicious recipes, and an optimistic approach. 

In this engaging conversation, he opens up about his journey of diagnosis, denial, and ultimate triumph in managing type 2 diabetes. 

An Unexpected Diagnosis 

Chef Robert’s journey with diabetes began in 1995 during a vacation in Colorado. 

At 39 years old, he experienced unusual symptoms: extreme thirst, fatigue, and frequent restroom visits. 

A visit to his doctor revealed a blood sugar level of 475 mg/dL—a startling number that marked the beginning of his life with type 2 diabetes. 

“I was in shock,” Chef Robert admits. “I didn’t know much about the disease, and I was handed a stack of brochures to figure it out.” 

Like many newly diagnosed people with diabetes, Chef Robert felt overwhelmed and unprepared for the lifestyle changes ahead. 

Despite referrals to a dietitian and diabetes educator, the initial advice he received felt restrictive and disheartening. 

“I heard, ‘don’t eat this; don’t touch that.’ As a chef, I thought, if that’s what living with diabetes is like,  this isn’t the disease for me.” 

Denial and Early Struggles 

For the first six months after his diagnosis, Chef Robert grappled with denial. 

He rarely checked his blood sugar, skipped medications, and avoided discussions about his condition. 

“I used to tell people I had a ‘mild case’ of diabetes,” he recalls. “I was the worst patient ever.”

During this time, his wife Cindy emerged as his greatest advocate. Concerned for his health, she signed him up for a three-day diabetes education course at their local hospital. 

Though initially resistant, Chef Robert credits this class as his “diabetic spiritual awakening.” 

“I realized I wasn’t alone in this,” he says. “I learned that I could take responsibility for my disease and still live a long, healthy, and happy life.” 

Becoming the Happy Diabetic Chef 

This newfound perspective marked a turning point. 

As a chef, Robert began experimenting with recipes that balanced nutrition with flavor. Sharing these recipes with others became a way to connect and inspire. 

During a women’s lifestyle fair, where he spoke about his experience and shared his creations, his daughter suggested a fitting moniker: “The Happy Diabetic Chef.”  

The name stuck, and so did the mission. 

“People started asking for my cookbook,” Chef Robert says. “I didn’t have one, but that gave me the idea to create something that could really help people.” 

Through speaking engagements, podcasts, and his cookbooks, Chef Robert has reached countless individuals, proving that life with diabetes doesn’t have to mean sacrificing joy or flavor. 

Taking Diabetes Management to the Next Level 

Chef Robert’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. 

As his condition evolved, he and his healthcare team adjusted his treatment plan with the addition of mealtime insulin. 

This introduced new complexities, including the potential for severe hypoglycemia, also known as very low blood sugar—a condition where blood sugar drops too low for the body to function properly. 

Understanding Severe Hypoglycemia 

Severe hypoglycemia, often unpredictable, can be one of the most frightening aspects of diabetes management. 

It requires immediate intervention and can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. Chef Robert experienced his first severe low blood sugar about five years ago, after starting insulin.

“It was terrifying; I felt disoriented and shaky,” he recalls. .  

He emphasizes the importance of preparation. Chef Robert says he learned about ready-to-use glucagon at a diabetes conference and discussed getting a prescription with his endocrinologist. 

“You need to have a plan,” he says. “For me, that includes carrying fast-acting glucose and having a ready-to-use rescue treatment like Gvoke HypoPen® (glucagon injection) on hand.” 

Gvoke® is a prescription medicine used to treat very low blood sugar (severe hypoglycemia) in adults and children with diabetes ages 2 years and above. It is not known if Gvoke is safe and effective in children under 2 years of age.

Like all prescription drugs, there are safety considerations that you need to know about. To learn more about Gvoke, talk with your doctor. You may view the important safety information by visiting gvokeglucagon.com.  

Empowering Others Through Advocacy 

Beyond managing his own diabetes, Chef Robert has become a passionate advocate for the diabetes community. 

As a Gvoke® Patient Ambassador, he raises awareness about the tools and strategies available to treat very low blood sugar, also known as severe hypoglycemia. 

“No matter how vigilant you are, severe lows can happen,” he says. “But being prepared can make all the difference.” 

Chef Robert also encourages individuals to build a support network and seek out education. 

“Knowledge is power,” he says. “The more you understand your condition, the better equipped you are to handle it.” 

Living Happy with Diabetes 

Chef Robert’s mantra, “Live Happy with Diabetes,” encapsulates his approach to life. By focusing on what he can enjoy—delicious, healthy meals, quality time with family, and helping others—he’s transformed his diagnosis into a source of purpose. 

“Diabetes doesn’t define me,” he says. “It’s part of my life, but it’s not my life.” 

Key Takeaways from Chef Robert’s Journey 

1. Take Ownership: Understanding and managing diabetes starts with accepting the condition and committing to change. 
2. Stay Educated: Classes, books, and reliable online resources can provide invaluable insights.
3. Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with people who encourage and help you.
4. Be Prepared: Severe hypoglycemia can happen anytime, anywhere. Ensure you have a ready-to-use glucagon treatment option readily available. 
5. Find Joy: Living with diabetes doesn’t mean giving up what you love. With creativity and determination, you can thrive. 

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Indication and Safety Summary

GVOKE is a prescription medicine used to treat very low blood sugar (severe hypoglycemia) in adults and kids with diabetes ages 2 years and above. It is not known if GVOKE is safe and effective in children under 2 years of age. 

Warnings

Do not use GVOKE if: 

• You have a tumor in the gland on top of your kidneys (adrenal gland), called a pheochromocytoma. 
• You have a tumor in your pancreas called an insulinoma. 
• You are allergic to glucagon or any inactive ingredient in GVOKE. 

Gvoke May Cause Serious Side Effects, Including: 

High blood pressure. GVOKE can cause high blood pressure in certain people with tumors in their adrenal glands. 

Low blood sugar. GVOKE can cause low blood sugar in certain people with tumors in their pancreas called insulinomas by making too much insulin in their bodies. 

Serious allergic reaction. Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you have a serious allergic reaction, including: 

• rash 
• difficulty breathing 
• low blood pressure 

Common Side Effects 

The most common side effects of GVOKE in adults include: 

• nausea 
• vomiting 
• swelling at the injection site 
• headache 

The most common side effects of GVOKE in children include: 

• nausea 
• low blood sugar 
• high blood sugar 
• vomiting 
• abdominal pain 
• headache 
• pain or redness at the injection site 
• itching 

These are not all the possible side effects of GVOKE. For more information, ask your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before Using 

Before using GVOKE, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you: • have adrenal gland problems 

• have a tumor in your pancreas 
• have not had food or water for a long time (prolonged fasting or starvation) • have low blood sugar that does not go away (chronic hypoglycemia) 
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant 
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if GVOKE passes into your breast milk. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you can use GVOKE while breastfeeding. 

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. 

How to Use

• Read the detailed Instructions for Use that come with GVOKE. 
• Use GVOKE exactly how your healthcare provider tells you to use it 
• Make sure your relatives, close friends, and caregivers know where you store GVOKE and how to use it the right way before you need their help. 
• Act quickly. Having very low blood sugar for a period of time may be harmful. • Your healthcare provider will tell you how and when to use GVOKE. 
• After giving GVOKE, your caregiver should call for emergency medical help right away. • If you do not respond after 15 minutes, your caregiver may give you another dose, if available. Tell your healthcare provider each time you use GVOKE. Low blood sugar may happen again after receiving an injection of GVOKE. Your diabetes medicine may need to be changed. 

How to Store

• Keep GVOKE pre-filled syringe and HypoPen in sealed foil pouch until time of use. • Keep GVOKE kit vial and pouched syringe together in original carton until time of use. • Store GVOKE at temperatures between 68°F and 77°F. 
• Do not keep it in the refrigerator or let it freeze. 

Keep GVOKE and all medicines out of the reach of children. 

For more information, call 1-877-937-4737 or go to www.GvokeGlucagon.com. Please see the Full Prescribing Information for Gvoke

This content was made possible by Xeris Pharmaceuticals, an active partner of Beyond Type 1.

Beyond Type 1 maintains editorial control over its content.