Diabetes 2- A Death Sentence?

kashe69 wrote: »

Hi All,

I was a 44 year old mother of 2 when I got the news from my family doctor after a routine annual check up.

I went through the 5 stages of grief:

1) Denial- this can't be true, test again there must be a mistake
2) Anger- this is all my fault , I knew I was overweight
3) Bargaining- if I change can this be reversed
4) Depression- my whole life is going to be tests and watching everything I eat
5) Acceptance- what am I going to do about this

My doctor wasn't great. Initially she said go home and read up on it -come back when you're ready. I went to a 2 day support group which left me more depressed than ever. I went back to the doctor and she wanted to put me on medicine right away.

I said no. I was already on 2 blood pressure medications and adding another which could lead to more seemed like a path or no return. I told her to prescribe without me even trying seemed wrong. I had to try. I told her give me 3 months and we'll review. At that time we'll do my next A1C test and see what my number is. She agreed reluctantly.

I started to research and found a study that linked fatty tissue as part of the problem. There was also articles about gastric bypass surgery having success. I did not want surgery but was interested in the why. I watched Fed Up which was an eye opener. I came across an article/study by Newcastle University that recommended a low calorie diet for 8 weeks.

I am young and if I'm ever going to try anything more drastic now is the time. I spoke with my doctor and she said if I wanted to try fine but I don't think she believed I would last.

I was determined. I modified the "diet" to eat healthy but under the calories needed. I started walking daily and went from 1K up to 10K. November hit and it was cold so I joined a gym. I went daily. The weight started to drop and so did my blood pressure.

I went for my A1C test in December and it went from 7.9 to 5.2. This is below what is considered pre diabetes. My blood pressure at it's highest was 184/130 now it's around 120/78

I never weighed myself to start ( I have a rough idea) but I'd say I've lost over 55 pounds. I feel the healthiest I have in my life. I enjoy the gym and pushing myself. Once I started lifting I was hooked.

I know there is not cure for diabetes. I think the correct term is remission. Reversed means it's not coming back. Remission means it can if I don't keep things up. There are days I'm terrified of sliding back but I'm determined to live drug free as long as I can.

Don't look for approval. My doctor didn't seem that excited about my results. She said that in the future I may still need medications. I'm going to take it day by day. My next A1C test is in March.

Fingers crossed.

jontucc wrote: »

Thanks for sharing your story. It's very inspirational.
When I was pregnant I had gestational diabetes twice and the endocrinologist said to me that I would be back with type 2 diabetes when I get to my 50s. I am almost 40 now but reading this is a good reminder to stay fit and healthy.

kashe69 wrote: »

Hi all
Just s quick update for those trying to live healthy and drug free It's been a year since my diagnosis and I'm happy to say that my latest A1c is at 5.0 I've lost over 80 pounds and have kept it off My doctor tried to put me on beta blockers at my last visit as there was a small amount of protein in my urine but as this was the first time she had tested this I said no let's wait till my next A1c to see what it is then as I didn't have a point to reference to see if it was getting better or worse. Well it's normal now and I would of been taking it for no reason which really makes me upset For those who have recently been diagnosed take things into your own hands and give your body a chance I do believe jumping the gun can lead to a life time of dependence and additional problems. For those who are in the same boat feel free to add me