From Diagnosis to Transformation: How One Man’s Battle with Diabetes Brewed a Health Revolution Through Tea

After being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Eric Dodson turned to tea—not just as a drink, but as a lifeline. His journey led to the creation of Cuples Tea House, where wellness and community steep together.

Everyone always ask’ “why tea?” or “what got you interested in tea?” It’s quite simple, I wanted to live. 

In 2007 I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I knew I had gained some weight, but I attributed it to the fact that I was approaching 40. Before I knew it, I was over 200 pounds. I thought I was relatively healthy. I was still playing sports, exercising, and eating right. I believed I had a relatively healthy diet, I didn’t drink a lot of soda, alcohol, or consume a lot of sweets. 

Misinformation regarding what was “good for me,” is what led to my diabetes. I switched from soda to juice, not realizing that most juices contain high fructose corn syrup or were packed with hidden sugars and carbohydrates. I ditched red meats in exchange for more pasta and rice because I thought fats would contribute to obesity. I began eating more sandwiches and soups filled with salt, sugar loaded condiments and artificial flavors while also subjecting myself to breads and processed deli meats that also contained sugars and high fructose corn syrups. 

I searched for a doctor who practiced a more holistic approach. He suggested that I make some serious lifestyle changes, beginning with my diet; switching to unsweet tea and eliminating all the so-called healthy juices. He explained that tea is a refreshing beverage that contains no sodium, fat, carbonation, or sugar. It is calorie-free and contributes to overall good health. 

I tried it first with no sugar, then tried it with honey, sugar substitutes and artificial sweeteners. I tried it both hot and iced. I began to look for teas that I would enjoy for their natural flavors. Flavors that I was familiar with like lemon, orange, mango, and berries, herbs like hibiscus, mint, and lemongrass. I discovered different types of teas, their properties and how they contribute to my overall health. I had to learn that tea is a wellness drink, not just something to drink when you’re sick but rather to prevent getting sick. 

With heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity at an all-time high, especially among underserved and diverse populations, it was important to examine tea as a health-promoting beverage. 

So, in March of 2015, Cuples Tea was born. The goal was to educate the community about all the wonderful benefits of tea but to also make it accessible. Cuples started with tea education classes, pop-ups, virtual tea tastings and finally opening the first brick and mortar in 2021. 

My tea journey continues with four cups of hot tea per day and at least 2-3 glasses of iced tea, still with no sweeteners of any kind. I’ve learned to enjoy different teas from all over the world, learning about their medicinal benefits. I’ve gained more control of my diabetes although It’s still a battle finding foods, especially at restaurants, that aren’t overly processed, or filled with hidden sugars and carbohydrates, but at least I’m no longer drinking my calories.