- Messages
- 299
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Diet only
- Dislikes
- Routine
Hello friends!
So, I'm 2 years in since diagnosis of T2 in 2018 (non Insulin dependent/no meds) and I wanted to check in with you all as I went along for my official annual review and test results today etc...
I was a little worried that this gawdawful pandemic and closures of gyms and general 'pause' on certain elements of life might have pushed me the other way along the scale, but despite a reduced fitness routine, I seem to be keeping it at bay - my HbA1c was 41 today.
I'm pleased it was still under the radar but I know that I can't take my foot off the peddle of consistency with this, because it's definitely gone up since my first 6 months check in after diagnosis when it was in the 30s. I know why that is, and I went into pure savage-mode upon finding out about the condition. , I was quite hardcore about everything.
I've now settled into a lifestyle which is still totally the opposite to what I was pre-diagnosis. I am low carb, mod-fats, but usually always high protein. Snacks and treats follow the same pattern - low carb, high protein, and the 'treat' is a low carb protein bar - I've researched the brand with the lowest junk in it, which also doesn't affect my BG, I know, I've researched these with extensive testing pre/post eating/digesting.
I also seem to know my body more, I know when I've slacked off on working out and it's starting to affect my body - hands up, there was a period in lockdown when my motivation waned. I kept up the good food, didn't go off the tracks, but my motivation to work out took a hit. All until I had that niggly feeling in my body, "do something" - and so, I did. I adapted. Gyms were closed so I opted for cardio videos on YouTube, it helped to keep my body on track and my mind, too.
I went on holiday to the USA again - over Christmas last year- mid Jan this year - a 3 week road trip - I kept, for the most part, well behaved with food - albeit a *lot* of protein was eaten, I again managed to stay away from the sooooo delicious treats that I used to have in my previous trips over there. I did have the odd treat, but made sure that it wasn't regular and that it was proportionate - I didn't overdo it on the carbs, and I kept up a workout routine whilst I was away too - gym bands are a total winner!
Since diagnosis, it's been quite a journey when I reflect on the story so far. I genuinely never thought that I would be able to change my habits - they were ingrained/indoctrinated into my family from early age, but, as it turns out, a leopard CAN change its spots - ok, maybe not change and be waving flags, celebrating every day, but it can certainly SWAP the spots and just generally lead a better lifestyle. I really have radically overhauled my entire habits - it's the opposite of my olden days. My family have seen it, and I don't join them when they are tempted to carb-out on a daily basis.
I manage stress much better now, too. I discovered meditation, something which I thought was just "woo woo sh*t" - turns out, it's not! It's actually very peaceful for the mind, body and soul. I have experienced immense peace through some moments of stress by meditation, nothing fancy, just guided mediations that can be found on any resource.
Fitness routines are still happening - not as hardcore as before, but definitely happening on a way more regular basis than in previous years before diagnosis. And, I like what I do - I workout to feel good, to help my body, and not because I feel forced to, nor for weight loss. I work out because I love it. Genuinely.
The diagnosis, the pandemic and the changes to our routines and general restrictions make me more grateful for the small things. I don't have high expectations, I take each day as it comes, I try and reduce/eliminate anything toxic - people or situations - and I focus on everything which is good for me and keeps me moving in the right direction. It all helps.
The next stage for me is to really focus on getting this reading down again - ideally, I'd like it at around mid 30s - and sustain it, if I can. I think it's doable, the food element I have handled, but the fitness/workouts need to stay consistent, because it all helps. I also think I could up the pace/intensity a smidge, too, because as I have seen by doing various tests, the harder I work out, the better it helps my body and stabilisation of BG. It has a tremendous affect on me.
So friends, I hope everyone is doing well, I really appreciate the help and support and guidance you've all given me so far in this journey, and I really *do* appreciate it. I know this is a life journey, and I hope to continue the good fight, taking baby steps, living consciously - doing things and living in a way that's beneficial for my mind and body, and which will keep this condition at bay. I'm all in.
Stay well all, and I hope this info above can help anyone who feels that the path ahead is a smidge/a lot overwhelming. Honestly, stick with it, do you, pay no attention to people that say lifestyle changes or low-carb living doesn't work or can't be sustained - that's just absolute piffle, because, it really can!
Onwards we go!
x
So, I'm 2 years in since diagnosis of T2 in 2018 (non Insulin dependent/no meds) and I wanted to check in with you all as I went along for my official annual review and test results today etc...
I was a little worried that this gawdawful pandemic and closures of gyms and general 'pause' on certain elements of life might have pushed me the other way along the scale, but despite a reduced fitness routine, I seem to be keeping it at bay - my HbA1c was 41 today.
I'm pleased it was still under the radar but I know that I can't take my foot off the peddle of consistency with this, because it's definitely gone up since my first 6 months check in after diagnosis when it was in the 30s. I know why that is, and I went into pure savage-mode upon finding out about the condition. , I was quite hardcore about everything.
I've now settled into a lifestyle which is still totally the opposite to what I was pre-diagnosis. I am low carb, mod-fats, but usually always high protein. Snacks and treats follow the same pattern - low carb, high protein, and the 'treat' is a low carb protein bar - I've researched the brand with the lowest junk in it, which also doesn't affect my BG, I know, I've researched these with extensive testing pre/post eating/digesting.
I also seem to know my body more, I know when I've slacked off on working out and it's starting to affect my body - hands up, there was a period in lockdown when my motivation waned. I kept up the good food, didn't go off the tracks, but my motivation to work out took a hit. All until I had that niggly feeling in my body, "do something" - and so, I did. I adapted. Gyms were closed so I opted for cardio videos on YouTube, it helped to keep my body on track and my mind, too.
I went on holiday to the USA again - over Christmas last year- mid Jan this year - a 3 week road trip - I kept, for the most part, well behaved with food - albeit a *lot* of protein was eaten, I again managed to stay away from the sooooo delicious treats that I used to have in my previous trips over there. I did have the odd treat, but made sure that it wasn't regular and that it was proportionate - I didn't overdo it on the carbs, and I kept up a workout routine whilst I was away too - gym bands are a total winner!
Since diagnosis, it's been quite a journey when I reflect on the story so far. I genuinely never thought that I would be able to change my habits - they were ingrained/indoctrinated into my family from early age, but, as it turns out, a leopard CAN change its spots - ok, maybe not change and be waving flags, celebrating every day, but it can certainly SWAP the spots and just generally lead a better lifestyle. I really have radically overhauled my entire habits - it's the opposite of my olden days. My family have seen it, and I don't join them when they are tempted to carb-out on a daily basis.
I manage stress much better now, too. I discovered meditation, something which I thought was just "woo woo sh*t" - turns out, it's not! It's actually very peaceful for the mind, body and soul. I have experienced immense peace through some moments of stress by meditation, nothing fancy, just guided mediations that can be found on any resource.
Fitness routines are still happening - not as hardcore as before, but definitely happening on a way more regular basis than in previous years before diagnosis. And, I like what I do - I workout to feel good, to help my body, and not because I feel forced to, nor for weight loss. I work out because I love it. Genuinely.
The diagnosis, the pandemic and the changes to our routines and general restrictions make me more grateful for the small things. I don't have high expectations, I take each day as it comes, I try and reduce/eliminate anything toxic - people or situations - and I focus on everything which is good for me and keeps me moving in the right direction. It all helps.
The next stage for me is to really focus on getting this reading down again - ideally, I'd like it at around mid 30s - and sustain it, if I can. I think it's doable, the food element I have handled, but the fitness/workouts need to stay consistent, because it all helps. I also think I could up the pace/intensity a smidge, too, because as I have seen by doing various tests, the harder I work out, the better it helps my body and stabilisation of BG. It has a tremendous affect on me.
So friends, I hope everyone is doing well, I really appreciate the help and support and guidance you've all given me so far in this journey, and I really *do* appreciate it. I know this is a life journey, and I hope to continue the good fight, taking baby steps, living consciously - doing things and living in a way that's beneficial for my mind and body, and which will keep this condition at bay. I'm all in.
Stay well all, and I hope this info above can help anyone who feels that the path ahead is a smidge/a lot overwhelming. Honestly, stick with it, do you, pay no attention to people that say lifestyle changes or low-carb living doesn't work or can't be sustained - that's just absolute piffle, because, it really can!
Onwards we go!
x
