A Health Update & A New Chapter For Keith’s Kitchen Chronicles
I want to take a moment to share something deeply personal—something that has significantly changed my life, my health, and the direction of Keith’s Kitchen Chronicles.
Recently, I was hospitalized with Salmonella and sepsis. What started as a feeling of unwellness quickly turned into a serious medical emergency. Sepsis is not something to take lightly, and I’ll be honest—it was one of the scariest experiences I’ve ever been through. I’m incredibly thankful for the doctors, nurses, and hospital staff who acted quickly and took such great care of me.
Thankfully, my recovery from the infection is going well. I’m regaining strength, feeling clearer each day, and focusing on healing. But while I was in the hospital, doctors discovered something else that would change my life just as dramatically.
A Blood Sugar Wake-Up Call
During routine testing, my medical team discovered that my blood sugar was over 800.
That number stopped everyone in their tracks—including me.
To put it plainly: that level is extremely dangerous. It explained symptoms I hadn’t fully connected before and raised immediate red flags. After further testing and discussions, the diagnosis became official—I have Type 2 diabetes.
Hearing those words was overwhelming. I was already processing the trauma of hospitalization and sepsis, and suddenly I was faced with a chronic condition that would require lifelong management. Like many people, I had assumptions about diabetes, and I realized quickly that I had a lot to learn.
Choosing Education Over Fear
Once I was discharged and home, I made a decision: I wasn’t going to ignore this or approach it halfway. I chose to educate myself.
Since then, I’ve been deep into research—reading books, listening to audiobooks, tuning into podcasts, and studying nutrition science with a new level of intention. I’ve been learning about blood sugar control, insulin resistance, carbohydrates, fiber, protein balance, and how food directly impacts metabolic health.
The more I learned, the more empowered I felt. Knowledge replaced fear. Understanding replaced confusion. And slowly, confidence began to take its place.
Why Food Matters More Than Ever
Food has always been central to my life. Cooking, experimenting, sharing recipes, and connecting with others through food have long been my passions. Now, food has taken on an even deeper role—it’s a key part of managing my health.
This doesn’t mean giving up flavor, comfort, or enjoyment. It means being intentional. It means choosing ingredients wisely, understanding portion sizes, and building meals that support stable blood sugar rather than work against it.
Living with Type 2 diabetes doesn’t mean food has to be boring or joyless. In fact, it’s pushed me to be more creative than ever.
What Will Change on Keith’s Kitchen Chronicles
Moving forward, you’ll notice a shift in the content I share here.
I’ll be focusing on:
- Type 2 diabetes-friendly recipes that prioritize blood sugar stability
- Meals with a thoughtful balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats
- Smarter carbohydrate choices and portion awareness
- Recipes that are practical, approachable, and realistic for everyday life
- Articles, studies, and resources that I personally find helpful and trustworthy
I’ll also be sharing recipes and foods that I actually enjoy eating. This isn’t about perfection or restriction—it’s about sustainability. If food isn’t satisfying, it’s not realistic in the long term.
Sharing What I Learn Along the Way
I’m not claiming to be a doctor, dietitian, or expert. What I am is someone living this reality, learning in real time, and applying that knowledge in my own kitchen.
As I discover new techniques, ingredients, and recipes that help manage blood sugar, I’ll share them here. When I find articles or podcasts that explain things clearly or offer valuable insights, I’ll pass those along too.
If something doesn’t work for me, I’ll be honest about that as well.
For Anyone Walking a Similar Path
If you’re living with Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, insulin resistance, or simply trying to be more mindful about your health, my hope is that this space becomes helpful and encouraging for you.
And if you’re here simply because you love food, you’re still welcome. These recipes are designed to be good for everyone, not just people with diabetes. Balanced, nourishing meals benefit all of us.
A New Chapter, Not an Ending
This diagnosis doesn’t mark an ending—it marks a new chapter.
One focused on learning, healing, and moving forward with purpose. One where food is still joyful, creative, and comforting—just smarter and more intentional.
Thank you for being here. Thank you for reading, for supporting, and for allowing me to share this journey openly. I’m looking forward to what’s ahead and grateful to have you along for the ride.
— Keith
📢 New Resource I’m Reading: Insights from The American Journal of Medicine
Hey everyone — I want to share an important resource that’s shaping how I think about managing Type 2 diabetes through food and lifestyle.
Recently, I came across an article published in The American Journal of Medicine (you can find it here: https://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343%2813%2900485-3/fulltext). While the full text is behind a journal paywall, this piece is part of a respected, peer‑reviewed medical journal (ISSN: 0002‑9343) that has been publishing clinical research for decades.
🔎 Why This Matters:
I’m currently going through this article because it’s cited in a number of clinical discussions around medical nutrition therapy and chronic disease — including diabetes — and how evidence informs real‑world practice. I’m not using it as a standalone answer, but as part of a larger base of scientific reading that also includes:
- evidence‑based nutrition recommendations for people with diabetes that emphasize individualized approaches to carbs, fiber, and glycemic control, and
- Medical nutrition therapy, provided by trained professionals, is a core part of diabetes care.
💡 What I’m Taking From It:
This article isn’t just interesting academically — it connects to what I’m trying to do here on the blog: help you understand why certain foods and eating patterns affect blood sugar, and how deliberate nutrition choices can be a key part of living well with Type 2 diabetes.
Over time, I’ll be sharing:
- my notes and takeaways from this and other journal articles
- how the science translates into practical recipe ideas
- links to resources that I personally trust
…and always with an eye toward what actually works in real life — not just theory.
If you’re curious to dive deeper into the research yourself, I encourage you to check out the link above or ask your healthcare provider about access through a medical library
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli for a Family Dinner – Culinary Chronicles: A Journey Through Cooking