Hi everyone.
Have not posted for a bit as have been getting on with life.
Had my first annual check up this week and all good. Starting HBa1c in March 2014 was 84, this week 37 (I think) which equated to average BG of 5.3mmol/l so have made great progress, especially as I dropped Metformin in September 2014. Following early Cholesterol drop, this has maintained within normal level.
It's been an incredible year and three months. Have changed the way I eat and taken up regular (long) walks, often 5 miles after work and 10 miles on a day off. It has been a huge commitment but wow! it has paid off!!! Have lost 5 stone and am slimmer and fitter than i have been for 26 years, have more energy, motivation and confidence than ever and all thanks to my friend(!) Type 2 Diabetes. I feel sad that I had to damage my body in order to make changes but no point looking back, forward is the only way. I was super strict at first but have adapted my life to fit in with my health and have now achieved some balance.
I still have challenges, maintaining the motivation and keeping my head in the game, and still need to stop smoking, want to lose at least another 3 stone and still need to get thyroid under control but every step is one in the right direction.
Thanks to everyone here for sharing their knowledge and for the early encouragement and to friends and family who have been amazing, particularly my husband, who has been my best friend, listening ear, crying shoulder and most enthusiastic cheerleader.
To anyone starting on this unwanted journey, keep your eyes on the destination and like anything else in life the more you invest, the more likely you are to have a good return. The ride is bumpy and there are lots of twists and turns in the road but it's worth sticking with it. For me, the physical changes have been massive but in my opinion it's the head that needs the hardest work. Stay positive, remember what you are trying to achieve and don't thinks about what you are giving up, only what you are gaining.
Good wishes for great health to everyone.
Birdy xx