Today I weighed in at 235.0. I've lost 22 lbs and 4 inches in the waist (now 46 in) since January. However, this didn't come without a life changing event.
On February 7, I got a huge wake up call. Last time I blogged, I had a feeling about diabetes. It was just something I couldn't shake. I had already started working out and dieting, but I was worried about my health so I made a doctor's appointment. I mentioned to my doctor that I was having frequent yeast infections and the gynecologist I had just seen the day before suggested that I be screened for diabetes. She thought it reasonable for me to be tested. She said that they would do an A1C test that would show my average blood glucose level over the last three months.
I really, truly, honestly didn't think I had diabetes. Especially since I had low blood sugar symptoms a lot. I really didn't understand blood sugar at all. It was just something I needed to cross of my list of things that I didn't have so that I could stop worrying about it.
So, fast forward a few days to February 7th. I got a call from my doctor's nurse. She coldly informed me that I had diabetes and that I needed to start taking Metformin twice a day immediately. Talk about a slap in the face! My mind was in a fog. DIABETES?!? Not me. My worst fear about my health came true and I only had myself to blame. I didn't cry. I didn't freak out (at least on the outside). I was in shock and disbelief.
Of course, I had many questions. For one, I couldn't understand how my blood sugar was low when they tested me (as the nurse told me) but I had diabetes. I had to wait for my doctor to call me later on that night because the nurse couldn't answer any of my questions. She explained it all to me. I had an A1C of 6.1. It's not severe. It's actually more in the level of pre-diabetes. However, as all diabetics will tell you...you either have it or not. There is no such thing as a 'little cancer'. So, there is no such thing as a little diabetes. If I don't want it to develop into full blown diabetes where I have to take insulin, I have to live like a diabetic.
The next few days my life pretty much came to a stand still. I had to learn everything I could about my disease. I had to purchase a blood glucose meter and strips and learn how to use it. That first week, I didn't change my diet at all. I was in denial and resentful that my entire diet and life was going to have to change. The more I read, the more confused I got. The internet abounds with conflicting or downright mis-information. But one thing that most people can agree on is that a diabetic has to follow a strict diet and must exercise!
The second week, it just clicked with me. I was going to have to change or it meant my very life. If there was ever a time to do it, it was now. I started walking every day at the college for 30 minutes and haven't looked back. I actually enjoy it now =) Although the diet is a struggle every day, it's getting easier and easier.
One thing I had to learn was all about CARBS. That evil word! Most people think that sugar is the enemy, but carbs are just as bad because they turn into glucose (sugar). And they are everywhere!
It's been a real challenge to be able to find what I can and can't eat. When I was first diagnosed, I thought it was going to be fairly easy. I though, OK I will just get some books and do a little Googling and print out a diabetic food plan and follow it exactly. Oh how naive I was! There is no 'diabetic' diet. Foods affect every diabetic differently. Some foods that might cause my blood sugar to spike may be perfectly fine for another diabetic and vice versa. I had to learn to rely on my meter to tell me how my body was affected by a certain food. A food diary has been essential for me. I can note what causes spikes and what is OK for me. High carbs are definitely my enemy. I have to be careful with fruit as well. Finding a palatable sugar substitute was challenging as well. I finally found xylitol which is great. It has no aftertaste to me like Splenda or other sugar substitutes do.
I still have SO much to learn. But I'm happy that I'm seeing some progress with my weight. In about another month I will go back to the doctor to see if my A1C has improved. I really hope it has.
The hubby and I went to Goodwill last weekend because I needed some workout clothes. I noticed that many of my 22/24 jeans were falling off, so I tried on a few there. I almost fainted when I fit into an 18! Many of the ones I tried and fit into were 18. I was so proud that I was finally going somewhere. My arms and the upper part of my belly is still huge though, so my tops are still the same size. But for now I don't mind because any drop in weight will only help my blood sugar.
It's strange for me because my lower body looks different. I can feel muscles I haven't felt in a long time. Along with a physical change, I'm feeling a mental one as well. I don't have the uncontrollable cravings I once did. I feel like my health is finally a priority for me. And I am listening to what my body is telling me.
Another great benefit of this focus on health is that my husband has also lost weight. He's lost about 40-50 lbs now. He's finally in the 200's. 293, but that's still better that 350 which was about where he was. Like me, his weight loss has been mainly in his lower body. But that's OK, as long as he's healthier.
Getting diagnosed with diabetes may just have been the worst and best thing to ever happen to my health.
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