[Kitchener Bay]

I remember it like it was yesterday. The doctor turned to me and said those 3 little words - "you have diabetes".

I didn't even know what diabetes was but I didn't think it was good news. I asked him how many years this will take off my life expectancy and he said 'about 10 years'.

10 Years? I can't accept that. I want to bounce some grand children on my knee some day. I remember driving home and trying to cry but I could not.

I stopped at a book store on the way home and bought a book about type 2 diabetes, read some of it and went to bed.

The next morning I went through my refrigerator and threw out most of the contents. I started doing stomach crunches and started going for a brisk 60 minute walk every day. I count my carbs and every day educate myself about this disease.

That was a month ago. I have reduced my BG to an average of 6.6 mml/l from 21 mml/l and I have lost 25 pounds.

That's just for starters. You are going to see a man who once weighed 276 pounds trim down to 200 pounds eventually.

I feel great.

My only regret is that it took those 3 little words to get me motivated to become healthy.

 

[Shanny]

Good luck to you, KB! You sound like a take-charge person. Welcome to DF and keep us posted on your progress.

 

[Richard157]

That is great motivation and a super attitude! That will help you to reach your goal. I was diagnosed in 1945, when I was 6, and two doctors told me that I would die before I was 50. I am 70 now and going strong. You and I have the same attitude and it works well if we stick to it.

Welcome to our support group!

Richard

 

[Kitchener Bay]

Well - 2 more months have passed

Started swimming and started jogging

Down to 223 lbs - looking and feeling good

BG - 4.2

Diabetes, you are going down!

 

[breezeonby]

Well - 2 more months have passed

Started swimming and started jogging

Down to 223 lbs - looking and feeling good

BG - 4.2

Diabetes, you are going down!

Good job! You have a great attitude!

 

[Shanny]

Terrific progress . . . y'know swimming is absolutely the best cardio-pulmonary exercise you can do. Keep on keepin' on, KB . . . you can wrestle it to the mat, and you can keep it there too.

When you reach your target weight, find a workable routine that helps you maintain those levels, and one that you can use comfortably for the rest of your life. You won't be able to go back to the way you did before your diagnosis, but you'll prob'ly be enjoying life so much more that the permanent changes have become second nature. Diabetes is a progressive disease, so don't turn your back on it. Just enjoy the renewal you've gained from those three little words.

You have an amazing attitude! Way to go!