Today is my one year anniversary diagnosed with Type 2, so I want to toot my horn a little...
It was a year ago today that I was diagnosed. I was in the ER with severe pain due to a kidney stone (an experience not to be missed
). When they checked my urine for blood they found glucose, so they checked my blood. My Blood Glucose (BG) was about 312 & my A1C was 8.7.
The next day I saw my doctor. She wanted to try and control the diabetes by diet and exercise, I needed to lose weight, I needed to go see the Diabetic Educator, I was overdue for a colonoscopy and needed to schedule that, I needed to start testing my BG 4 times a day, I needed to have my cholesterol checked. What a great day!
After being diagnosed, my attitude was that if getting diabetes helps prevent my kids from getting it, then its worth it (I still believe it). Because of that, I took my son (17) with me to see the CDE. I'm glad I did because when she said how important exercise was, he said that he was going to get me back on a bike.
My cholesterol levels at the end of Feb/05 were: Total – 233, Trig – 125, HDL – 30, & LDL – 178.
One year later…
I saw the doctor yesterda. I still take no meds. Between Feb/05 & Jul/05 I lost 50 pounds and have kept it off (fluctuate +/- a pound per week). Since May my A1C has ranged from 4.6 – 4.9. I had my colonoscopy – no problems. I saw an ophthalmologist – no problems with my eyes. My BG levels are now averaging 110 a.m. fasting, 127 2 hours ppg, & 120 overall. My liver and kidney function tests are normal. The protein level in my urine is normal. My cholesterol levels are: Total – 162, Trig – 38, HDL – 45, & LDL – 109 (which is still a little high). My doctor told me I don’t have to test as often, so I’m cutting back to 2 times per day for the next year (my decision) and then once per day after that.
Oh yeah, biking…I started the end of March and have ridden over 2500 miles so far, for 2006 my goal is 3000 miles.
OK, I’ve been lucky, I found out early that I have diabetes and have been able to control of it. I think the 2 keys to my success (so far) have been that I’m not on a “diet”, I’m on a “lifestyle” (diet being perceived as temporary, lifestyle as permanent); and that my body has actually allowed me to be successful – “My body, my science project”.
As time goes on and the disease progresses, I expect I'll have to take meds. No problem; and insulin - OK. I plan on being around a while for my family and help prevent them from becoming diabetic.
I wish you all good luck controlling your diabetes (or helping a family member control theirs).
-Randy
