D-Day

If you haven’t caught on by now, let me spell it out: food is my love language, my ultimate adventure, my reason for living (okay, that might be dramatic, but you get it). My culinary journey could rival the epic path charted in Hank Snow’s "I’ve Been Everywhere," famously crooned by Johnny Cash—except my version is more “I’ve Eaten Everything”. New restaurant? I’m there. Viral food trend? Consider it conquered. My mission is simple: devour all the things.

And yes, I’m unapologetic about my love for fast food. It’s easy, affordable, and perfect for those on-the-go moments—whether I’m traveling or just out and about. Speaking of fast food, let’s talk guilty pleasures. When it comes to burgers, Burger King reigns supreme with its irresistible flame-broiled patties. Sure, Dairy Queen also flame-broils theirs, but let’s be honest: we’re all there for the Blizzards. (Pumpkin Pie Blizzard? Chef’s kiss) And fries? McDonald’s takes the golden, salty crown every time. But when life has me in a dark mood and I’ve lost faith in humanity, I turn to my comfort food soulmate with the ten-gallon hat, Arby’s. My go-to order: a large Beef N’ Cheddar—a glorious mound of roast beef drowning in hot cheese sauce on a bun—paired with curly fries. Because it is not complete without the curly fries.

Of course, these days, I can’t indulge quite as recklessly thanks to my friend and foe: diabetes. Quick science break: there are two types of diabetes. Type 1 is the “not your fault” kind, and Type 2 is the “oops, that’s on me” variety. I am a type 1 diabetic in no small part due to Friedreich’s ataxia. But hey, that’s what insulin is for, so I can still enjoy my culinary escapades (in moderation).

Now, let me take you back to the end of 2018, when my diabetes story began. The big warning signs—excessive thirst, constant bathroom trips, and soul-crushing fatigue—were all there. At first, I blamed the antibiotics I was on, but when those ended and the symptoms didn’t, I knew. I told my family and my PA, Jeff, “I have diabetes. I’m 100% sure.” Their responses? Variations of “Oh, Kyle, don’t be dramatic.” Two weeks later, fed up with being dismissed, I defiantly rolled into a walk-in clinic to get bloodwork and see a doctor. This was January 11, 2019. A day that I now celebrate each year, infamously known to me as D-Day. Why? Well, you will have to keep reading.

When the doctor confirmed my self-diagnosis, I fist-pumped in triumph. Her reaction? Equal parts confusion and concern. “I’ve never seen anyone happy to hear they have diabetes,” she said. I replied, “You don’t understand—this means I was right, and everyone else was wrong!” (To me being right might be even better than a good meal. Therapy might be in order.)

As the visit wrapped up, they needed a urine sample to check my ketones. This wasn’t straightforward for me as the clinic didnt have accessible facilities, so I took the cup home, planning to return it later. But first, I needed one last meal. Thinking my days of sweet and greasy indulgence were over, I swung by Arby’s for a farewell feast. The fact that I already knew I had diabetes makes the following even more disgusting: a large Beef N’ Cheddar, large curly fries, and a Coke the size of my regrets.

*What can I say? I guess I like the big wieners*

Back home, I polished off the meal, then obediently filled the cup and sent Jeff to deliver it to the clinic. Upon his return from the drop-off, the phone started ringing. He answered it and was told that my ketone levels were through the roof, and I could pass out at any moment. I needed to get to the hospital ASAP.

At the ER, a nurse told me my blood sugar was 17.5 (I’ve since topped that, but let’s not make it a competition). The real danger was those sky-high ketones, which kept me in the hospital for four days while they stabilized me. I even managed to scare my parents, who were traveling to Mexico at the time. (Bad things seem to follow their vacations. Sorry, Mom and Dad.)

Now, five years later, I’m still living my best food-loving life—just with a bit more mindfulness. I may have diabetes, but it hasn’t dulled my appetite for adventure, one bite at a time.

In lieu of dramatic selfies, enjoy pictures of my favorite food adventures over the years. I didnt realize until now how many pictures of me eating food I have. . .

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