One simple habit helped this teacher beat Type 2 Diabetes in six months — here’s how

When Pedro Soto went to the doctor for a sore throat, he never expected to leave with a life-changing diagnosis. The 56-year-old Manhattan school teacher learned he had type 2 diabetes and decided it was time to rethink his daily habits. What followed was a six-month journey that reshaped his health — and led him to the New York City Marathon finish line.

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How did a routine doctor visit change everything?

Pedro Soto’s diagnosis came unexpectedly. He visited his doctor believing he had a viral infection that was causing a sore throat. Instead, the visit revealed that he had type 2 diabetes. Faced with the news, Soto knew he needed to make changes, as per a report by EatingWell.


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Although his doctor recommended starting medication, Soto decided to take a different approach. He committed to improving his lifestyle and began running twice a week. Over the next six months, those changes began to show results. “My blood sugar level was normal, near prediabetic, but normal,” Soto told People.

While there is no permanent cure for diabetes, Soto learned that type 2 diabetes can be reversed by lowering A1C levels to a normal range. Through diet and regular exercise, his follow-up blood tests confirmed his progress.


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Why did he decide to run the New York City Marathon?

After seeing improvements in his health, Soto didn’t stop there. He set his sights on a new challenge — the TCS New York City Marathon in November 2025. As part of Team TCS Teachers, he trained for the 26.2-mile race with a purpose that went beyond personal fitness, as per a report by EatingWell.

“If I'm in a better shape, that is gonna affect my students in a good way,” Soto said. “If I'm sick and I'm missing classes, I'm tired if I don't feel good, that is going to affect my instruction in the classroom, my relationship with the students, and eventually the quality of me as a teacher."

Soto teaches students in a transfer program — young people who struggled in rural school systems before being brought back into school through alternative approaches. “We bring them back into the school using alternative approaches, pedagogy and engagement activities. They went through a lot,” he explained.

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How did he push through personal loss and illness?

Soto’s marathon journey unfolded during one of the most difficult periods of his life. Shortly after his diabetes diagnosis, he was also diagnosed with Lyme disease. At the same time, he was grieving the loss of his father, who passed away around that period. Because of these challenges, Soto couldn’t begin marathon training until early August, as per a report by EatingWell.

Running became more than physical preparation — it became emotional healing. “It was running to face my feelings and thoughts and make peace with myself and with my father,” Soto said. “It was something that helped me a lot to process my loss."

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Despite the obstacles, Soto crossed the finish line with a time of four hours and 21 minutes, placing him in the top 36% of finishers in his age group.

When the race became overwhelming, his motivation was clear. “These students were my inspiration to keep going,” he said. “I know how hard it is for them... and they still come to school, and they try their best. I can do it.”

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor regarding any medical concerns.

FAQs

Did Pedro Soto take diabetes medication?
No, he chose to focus on lifestyle changes instead.

What inspired him to run the marathon?
His students motivated him to keep going.