John, as always, is spot on.
i will throw in my two cents (deflated value, as it's US currency lol)
Lee, it's time to face facts. (what im about to type is not intended to offend or scare)
you're 38 and have no insurance. sounds like most americans. you CAN do this. it WILL be hard work. you WILL need strong will power.
all the advice you will get on this site is so vital for someone without insurance.
you need to stop eating crap. "but eric, i dont eat crap!"
are you so sure? Crap to diabetics isnt always what "crap" is to healthy people.
"Crap" to diabetics are man-made carbohydrates. pretty much anything white, do not eat it.
"Yeah, but i love bread, pasta, pizza, and all that stuff....so i will switch to wheat because its healthier"
WRONG. those are all bad for you, as they are carbohydrates
Lee, it's time to buckle down. it's time to get out the food scale, get out the measuring cups and it's time for you to start eating proper portions.
Lee, this will not be easy, but it is not impossible.
next, you must exercise each and every day. "why?" because diet and exercise are the keys to battling T2D
"but i cannot afford a gym" Yea, that's fine, there's no need for a gym. all you need to do is walk. i walk between 3 and 5 miles a day, everyday, unless it is raining too hard to walk safely.
if i can do it, anyone can do it.
i am not going to lie, this will be difficult.