Pickleball for Diabetes Management: Robin Orbin, a pickleball player from Texas, turned her health around after joining a pickleball class. In just a few months, Robin used exercise, healthy eating, and medical care to lower her dangerously high blood sugar and take control of her Type 2 diabetes.
Robin first joined a pickleball class at her community center. She enjoyed the social sport and began playing often. But pain in her knee made her visit a doctor for the first time in years. There, she found out something surprising.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
Robin’s doctor, George V. Golod, MD, ordered routine blood work. The tests showed Robin had severely uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes. “A healthy A1c level is below 7, but Robin’s was above 14, which is considered dangerously elevated,” said Golod.
Robin admitted she was eating poorly and had gained weight. “I knew it was going to be high,” said Robin. “I’d been dealing with grief from my brother’s sudden death. I was embarrassed about my weight.”
A New Treatment Plan
There is no cure for Type 2 diabetes, but it can be managed. Golod and his care team created a plan to help Robin. “We are here to minimize the shame and stress that can accompany this diagnosis,” said Golod.
Robin began taking insulin and an antidiabetic medicine. She also met with Sayeeda Bilkis, MD, and Katherine Gerber, RD, a diabetes specialist. They helped Robin understand how food, exercise, and medicine work together to lower blood sugar.
“Controlling your diabetes and lowering A1c is not as simple as just reducing sugar intake,” said Gerber. “It is a multipronged approach that involves exercise, food, medicine, and regular blood sugar testing.”
Healthy Changes That Worked
Robin wore a glucose monitor to check her blood sugar. She kept a food journal to see how meals affected her levels. “I remember one time she adjusted the number of grapes she ate for a snack because she could see them impacting her glucose level,” said Gerber.
Robin made healthy swaps, replacing pasta with whole grains. She drank water instead of soda and watched her portion sizes. She also added daily walks and played pickleball three to five times a week, for up to three hours.
Big Results in a Short Time
Within two months, Robin was able to stop taking insulin. “Many people think of insulin as a last resort for Type 2 diabetes,” said Bilkis. “It is not. It is an intervention. Robin is a great example of using insulin to get her diabetes under control.”
Her A1c level dropped quickly. It went from over 14 to 9.6 in a month, then to 6.9, and finally to 6.2. “An A1c level under 7 means her diabetes is under control, and she no longer needs an insulin prescription,” said Bilkis.
The Power of a Support Team
Robin continued her care with follow-up visits and tests at UT Physicians Multispecialty – Cinco Ranch. “That whole facility is just awesome,” said Robin. “You can tell how invested every single employee is in your health.”
The care team works closely together. “We all work within steps of each other,” said Gerber. “Not only do we see each other daily, but we’re communicating every day, too.” Golod added, “A team effort allows us to deliver the same message in different ways. That layered approach builds patient connection and trust, ultimately yielding better health outcomes. I am proud of what Robin accomplished for herself.”
A Healthy, Happy Life
Robin refused to give up on her health. She kept playing pickleball, walking, and eating well. “I got myself into this, and I knew I would have to get myself out of it,” said Robin. “My indoor pickleball club saved my life, and my team at UT Physicians cheered me on the whole time.”
News in Brief: Pickleball for Diabetes Management
Robin Orbin turned her health around after finding out she had severely uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes. With help from doctors, healthy eating, exercise, and pickleball, she lowered her blood sugar, lost weight, and stopped needing insulin. Robin’s story shows how teamwork, fun activities, and small changes can lead to big health improvements.
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