I am pretty regular at getting a physical each year. My siblings and I have made a pact to bug each other to get the proper screenings and physicals, like a colonoscopy, now that we are aging... I believe that genetics play a big part in how our bodies behave and age. I also believe that lifestyle can definitely effect your quality of life and make a big difference in how our bodies behave and age. You find many overweight people without health problems, and you see some thin people with plenty of health problems. Over the last 10 years or so I have had routine bloodwork done and seen my "sugar" levels creeping upward. About 6 years ago I wanted to change my high cholesterol and sugar levels as much as I could through diet and exercise (please read my post "Dieting Epilogue" from January 2, 2012 for my life long struggle with weight gain, diet and exercise) so I went on the Shape for Life diet which is pre-packaged food that has the right combinations of fat, carbs, and protein and is endorsed by Drs. to really change your "numbers" and get you healthy. I did lose weight and my numbers came down. I wore a smaller size for a couple of years. Unfortunately, over the next 4 years I slowly put back on the weight, plus more! Well, I went in for my physical in July. Had my bloodwork done. The Dr. said, "just in case this is a fluke, I want you to go in for a glucose test." So I did. Then the Dr. told me that I had Type 2 Diabetes. This was July 30th. Many of my relatives have Type 2 Diabetes; my grandmother, my aunt, my uncle, my Dad. Probably more. I know enough about Type 2 Diabetes that I have always thought "if I end up Diabetic, I know its possible to do something about it through diet, exercise, and proper medical care" so that's what I am trying to do. Nothing like a health scare to kick you into action. I know this has to be a lifelong plan. It has been very difficult to schedule meeting with a dietician due to insurance, and a change in our insurance plan. I have been trying very hard to read and implement what I have learned on my own into my eating and exercising. I have gotten over the squeemishness of pricking my finger. It is a frustrating and depressing thing, really. I am writing this post in my blog about what I have learned so far.
This is my progress to this point; I have not eaten a doughnut (my absolute favorite food group) since July 30th. The most I have eaten in the dessert category is pretty much a vanilla wafer! oh....and a small portion of chocolate mousse! Extreme...but I have to say I have fear in me! I have continued to try to exercise at least 5 times/week for about 45 minutes.
I finally met with a dietition and went to an education class for Diabetes on September 10th. I feel a bit more sure of what I should be doing. Hubby went with me which I think was a great support, and great for him to hear and learn about everything. He is trying to be very supportive. As of today....9/18/12, 7 weeks after being diagnosed, I have lost about 12% of my body weight! And my A1c (Average sugar level kind of thing) went from a 7.3 to a 6.1 which is getting down where you want it to be.
I have not told everyone about this diagnosis. I have seen how people can respond to people who are diabetic. Being food police. Getting after someone for not behaving how they think they should be behaving. I also have had some people not want to eat what they want to eat if I am around. This just makes me feel worse. I have a great team of professionals behind me. I am doing the proper treatment. I am following up on this. It's my life, I want to be around others and not have them feel guilty or bad if they eat something I am choosing not to.
Type 2 - American Diabetes Association I have type 2 Diabetes, and yes, it IS a big deal. It is a progressive disease. No one knows exactly why type 2 dietbetes develops in some people. But several factors have been shown to increase your risk of developing it. Type 2 diabetes is more likely to occur in people who:
- Are overweight
- are 45 or older
- are physically inactive
- have a parent or sibling with diabetes; there is a genetic link
- are african american, native american, hispanic american or pacific islander
- have abnormal cholesterol levels
- have had gestational diabetes, or have given birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds at birth
- have high blood pressure
Although I did not have all of the above factors....I had several.
Complications of diabetes:
- Heart disease and stroke
- kidney disease
- eye diseases
- foot and leg problems
- sexual problems
- stomach and intestinal problems
- problems with skin, teeth and gums
I did not have any symptoms of diabetes. It could have been 10 years before I saw any. I am very glad I went in for my physical.
Sooooo.......eat healthy, get exercise, and make sure you get regular physicals.
