More Than My Diagnosis: David

Ask David Pomeroy who he is, and the answer starts with creating things that make people happy. Based in Auckland, this sentiment is evident throughout his life. Whether it be his music, his writing, or how he shows up for the people around him.

"I enjoy creating uplifting and meaningful projects that connect with people emotionally" he says. Friends and family would describe him as creative and driven, with an optimism that shows up in how he throws himself into a project once he's decided to pursue it.

He's most proud of staying creative and productive through different stages of life, even the ones that haven't been easy. Turns out that includes the diabetes stuff too.

David was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes around ten years ago. For a long time, managing it wasn't consistent. "Life gets busy, routines slip, and it's easy to fall into a cycle of knowing you need to make changes while struggling to consistently follow through," he says.

A hospital diabetes clinic appointment in February 2026 changed things. "That appointment really jolted me into action," David says. From March, he committed to a structured approach and started tracking his progress. By May, he'd lost 17.5kg, and his HbA1c had dropped to its lowest level since diagnosis.

Building something out of it

David's habit of turning ideas into things people can actually use? You guessed it, showed up here too. He built a free Progress Tracker app, made with the Base44 AI application builder. He logs his readings in it. It turns them into charts he can take to appointments. "Creating the app helped me feel more engaged and proactive in managing my own health" he says. "And I hope it may eventually help others too."

What he wants people to understand

"Managing diabetes can require constant decision-making and mental energy," David says. "It's not just about avoiding sugar. It's about routines, balance, planning, monitoring, setbacks, motivation, and trying to build sustainable habits over time."

His advice for anyone newly diagnosed is to see it as a beginning, not an ending. "Small consistent changes matter more than perfection. You don't have to get everything right overnight." The advice that's stuck with him most is to focus on progress rather than guilt.

Looking ahead

"I hope my story reminds people that diabetes doesn't erase who you are," David says. "You can still grow, contribute, create, laugh, connect with people, and live a meaningful life. Managing diabetes is part of the journey, but it doesn't define the whole person."