How to truly measure success

I couldn't decide whether to post this here, or on the Motivation board. Everyone has their own reasons for changing their lifestyle. For some, it's a vanity thing. For others, the find inspiration in the successes of others. For me, it came down to being faced with "the big D"...diabetes. Three short months ago, my blood sugar was 165, my liver enzymes were out of whack, and my A1C (a historical blood sugar marker used to determine diabetes) was 7 -- in the diabetic range. My doctor sat me down and explained that I was at a fork in the road. If I continue the way I was going, I was headed for a life of blood sugar monitors, oral medication, and even the possibility of having to stick myself with a 24 gauge needle every day to inject insulin. He explained all the problems diabetics deal with, including macular degeneration and glaucoma, decreased circulation which can lead to injury and limb loss, increased risk for infections, and renal failure. The other road, he explained, would get me away from the brink of disaster. The prospect of continuing on the road I was on, quite honestly, scared the CRAP out of me. In fact, the desire to NOT become diabetic was far stronger than the desire to reach for that sleeve of Oreos. Thus began my journey.
Exactly three months after joining MFP, and changing my lifestyle, I revisited my doctor to see the fruits of my labor. In 90 days, here are the results:
Weight: March 30th...291 June 30th...257 (-34 pounds)
Glucose: March 30th...165 June 30th...111 (-54 mg)
A1C: March 30th... 7.0 June 30th... 5.5 (-1.5%)

In addition, my liver enzymes (ALT and SGPT) are the best they've been in three YEARS.

Am I in new clothes? Yes. Do I LOOK better? Yes. Do I FEEL better? Of course. But most importantly...I'm out of the woods from the Diabetes Monster. Now that I've stared Diabetes in the face, I'll never forget what the monster looks like. I never want to see him again. The results motivate me to keep this lifestyle going, and I hope that my story might help others who might be in the same boat. Ultimately, this isn't about getting into some fashionable clothes, or seeing numbers on a scale. It's about living longer, living healthier and feeling better. If I can do this...YOU CAN DO THIS!!!! You might lose battles here and there along the way, but you CAN win the war!!! Fight on!!!