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Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes

I knew something was wrong earlier this year and with my family history (grandmother type 1 and mother type 2 diabetics) I had a sneaking suspicion of what it was. In May, I was confirmed as a type 2 diabetic - A1c at 13.3. Add to that over thirty years of being a smoker and a father with a history of heart attacks and it was easy to see I was heading down a very bad path health-wise. I actually cried in my doctor's office when he told me in a yoda-like fashion that there was no "try" only "do" when it came to quitting smoking and losing weight. Fortunately, along with the bad health genes, I also inherited the stubborn and determined genes.

I went from no medication to 1000 mg metformin twice a day, glyxambi, a statin, and eventually a blood thinner as well. Evidently my blood was as thick as used motor oil thanks to all the smoking.

First steps to management

The first thing I did was cut out as many carbs as possible. No bread, no cereal, no pasta, no junk food, no soda, no potatoes, no rice... and the first week was pure hell. But after that... I started to feel good... no I started to feel GREAT! I kept my daily carbs between 20-35 grams - ate lots of protein, fats, drank a lot of water - it was a complete dietary overhaul. I wasn't hungry at all, my moods were improved, I slept better and I had so much energy it was incredible. Sure... I missed, or thought I missed, some things (Pringles!!!) but it was really the taste I craved, not so much the actual eating of them.

At the same time, I quit smoking and turned to vaping. I know, I know... with all the bad press out there these days that sounds sort of counterproductive, but it gave me the flavors I craved, the nicotine was the equivalent of a low dose patch and it got me off cigarettes. I've been a non-smoker now for 6 months.

Management success

So what was the result? In October, I had my blood retested. The cardiologist that I had seen for an angiogram warned me not to get my hopes up too high and to be realistic about my expectations. He thought anything 7 or above would be likely. My primary care physician knew how determined I was and was just hoping for something decent.

5.7!!!

He fist-bumped me and high-fived me! I don't know which one of us was happier.

In total, I've lost 60 pounds too - that's just a big bonus in my opinion.

I'm still a type 2 diabetic, still on my medication - but I allow myself the occasional bread or potato now. My diabetes remains controlled, but I find that if I keep my diet low carb regardless, I just feel better. When I stray too far, my joints ache and I feel lethargic even though my blood sugar stays within the normal range. So is the cookie really worth it... sometimes :) but not always.

Anyway... that's my tale.

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