I have previously discussed the initial part of my Type 2 Diabetic condition as well as the progress during the first couple of years. Here are links to these past postings:
Diabetic Shadow Arrives
Diabetic Shadow Persists
Here is the final update about my progress with Type 2 Diabetes. As discussed earlier, I was diagnosed with this condition in February, 2016.
As of January, 2019, I am no longer considered pre-diabetic (based upon my last three A1C tests). Here are all of my lab tests from 2014 through 2018, with the final three tests highlighted in bold text.
| Date |
Cholesterol |
HDL |
LDL |
A1C |
| 2014 |
218 |
42 |
154 |
NA |
| 2015 |
222 |
41 |
162 |
6.4 |
| Feb, 2016 |
249 |
42 |
179 |
7.5 |
| Aug, 2016 |
173 |
46 |
112 |
6.6 |
| Feb, 2017 |
155 |
38 |
105 |
7.4 |
| Aug, 2017 |
182 |
60 |
111 |
6.1 |
| Feb, 2018 |
177 |
57 |
111 |
6.1 |
| Aug, 2018 |
198 |
58 |
129 |
6.2 |
I have made substantial progress in improving my critical numbers dealing with A1C, Cholesterol, HDL, and LDL. I hope to see improved numbers for Cholesterol and LDL at my next set of lab tests (to be taken in early 2020).
What has led to this positive new direction in my health? These three key points lead the way.
- New Commitment
- Lifestyle Changes
- Positive Attitude
I have made a new commitment to improve my health.
- Make my health a top priority
- Exercise at least six days per week (walking or indoor biking)
- Eat healthy (reduce sugar and monitor carbs)
A daily exercise regime is scheduled for at least six days per week. I take a brisk one-hour walk for about four miles (sometimes longer) in the morning. When the weather keeps me inside, I crush carbs on my indoor bike as I cover about 6.5 miles in 20 minutes.
An updated and healthy lifestyle now reflects major changes that have significantly improved my health.
- Make my commitments part of a daily routine
- Keep a log of my daily carbs consumption (make myself accountable)
- Understand this lifestyle change is permanent
Here is a sample of the journal used each day to track my carbs. Even though my numbers have improved, I still fill this out daily to hold myself accountable.
With greater scrutiny, I pay a great deal of attention to labels on anything that I eat. Two nutritional facts are always front and center: sugar content and amount of carbs. Instead of sugar-based snacks, most of mine are low in sugar and carbs: cheese and nuts. Stevia is my coffee sweetener, which is one of the healthiest ones around.
I have a well-documented chocolate addiction, which is under control. Sometimes certain recipes offer a healthy alternative such as one I use for Carbs Bomb (chocolate and peanut butter cups). Here is a link to the previously published recipe: Carbs Bomb.
I try to maintain a positive attitude about my health.
- Using humor to keep my mind balanced and inspired
- Be willing to talk and write about my health
- Share what I have learned with others
I am truly thankful for my improved health. I am blessed to have received a wake-up call from my doctor, and my family has encouraged me to tackle this challenge. I intend to be around for many years to come.
Several readers have offered prayers, and I appreciate each of you. If you are praying, include all people afflicted with any form of Diabetes. They all need our thoughts and encouragement.
Big Sky Buckeye 