Any type 2 diabetics here?

[CoachChar]

Hi! I've been avoiding the health and fitness threads... When I first joined the forums last month I was not taking full responsibility for my health: hadn't been exercising regularly and my eating had gotten sloppy. I just decided to turn things around the other day by starting a 30 day trial for working out and taking my vitamins. I'll be tracking my progress on my blog.

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in December of 2000. It was quite scary at first, but I have learned to manage it. I just posted a podcast about the experience.

In 6 months, I managed to get off Glucophage (also called metformin, an oral medication that helps regulate blood sugar levels) and I have not been on it since. I manage through diet and exercise. In that first 6 months, I also lost 35 lbs. I used carb counting, 3+ days of cardio a week and weight training. Was it easy? No. Was it worth it? Yes. Would I do it again? YES! In a way I'm doing it now. I've gained back 10 lbs and I've noticed that lately my energy levels are just way too low.

So, I'm recommitting myself to fitness and health. If there are others who live with serious chronic conditions like diabetes, feel free to contact me for support. I'm not one to harp or focus on a dis-ease state, but some days I do struggle with it and it's nice to have access to others who understand what it's like and can remind you of how strong you really are.

Be well!
Char

[Kamma]

I just wanted to say Congratulations!!
You've obviously worked extremely hard and I hope you are very proud of yourself.

[CoachChar]

Thanks, Kamma. I do feel good about my accomplishments. I use them as boosters when I want to feel more courageous or strong.

[escapee]

Hope the following articles and videos BOOST your resolve further. Beat high insulin and stay healthy.


The Diabetes Conundrum: What Physicians are Teaching You may be Killing You

Leptin: How Diabetes and Obesity Are Linked


Insulin and life expectancy

Centenarian studies

There are three major centenarian studies going on around the world. They are trying to find the variable that would confer longevity among this group of people who live to be 100 years old. Why do centenarians become centenarians? Why are they so lucky? Is it because they have low cholesterol, exercise a lot and live a healthy, clean life?

Well, the oldest person ever recorded was Jean Calumet of France who died last year at 122 years of age. She smoked all of her life and drank.

What researchers are finding from these major centenarian studies is that there is hardly anything in common among these people. They have high cholesterol and low cholesterol, some exercise and some don't, some smoke, some don't. Some are nasty as can be, some nice and calm and some are ornery.

But, they all have relatively low sugar for their age, and they all have low triglycerides for their age.

And, they all have relatively low insulin.

[Gene]

Originally Posted by CoachChar

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in December of 2000. It was quite scary at first, but I have learned to manage it. I just posted a podcast about the experience.

Be well!
Char

I have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The diabetes is in remission as a result of healthy choices and action. I have lost weight, exercise and eat healthy foods in appropriate quantities.

I am not sure one can be cured of diabetes but it feels wonderful to be in remission and free from the symptoms and dangers of uncontrolled diabetes.

It is great to be able to make good decisions to promote personal health. Congratulations to you for your choices and your actions!