Wow! There's a blast from the past!
A lot of water under the bridge since then: from about the time of that post until about a year ago my diabetes showed a gradual worsening trend. This time last year my weight was over 18 stone, my HbA1C was up to 78, and I had been put on Sitagliptin in a last ditch effort to stop the rot. I had been told the next step would be to go on Insulin, and that really worried me because I really couldn't face doing the necessary maths to work out dosages. I was feeling very depressed about my health...I have blocked coronary arteries causing angina which made exercise difficult; I also have High blood pressure, IBS, prostatic hyperplasia, and develop kidney stones.... all these medical conditions bring their own dietary requirements which are sometimes conflicting! I felt I was in a downward spiral, and was frankly despairing. AND THEN : my doctor sent me on a personalised diet, weight management and exercise course for 12 weeks. I began by making myself go out for a walk every day, and abruptly stopping any snacks etc between meals. Each day I walked a bit further, until I got bored with covering the same footpaths; then, with the advice of my mentor I bought an e-bike and began cycling. After six months I had lost a stone in weight, and my HbA1C was down to 53. I was taken off the Victoza, to see what would happen. Now another six months have past and my last HbA1C was 54, as a result of which I have been taken off the Sitagliptin. I've not been as assiduous with the exercise in the cold weather, as my angina bothers me in the cold, but I walk or ride most days. My cycle rides are now up to around 12 miles, the e-bike gives my heart some help up inclines and when I tire, so still makes exercise possible, which I once found impossible. I had become extremely inactive, but now I have some exercise every day, and I have lost some weight, my diabetes is definitely in reverse. I'm now looking forward to the spring weather when I'll have a renewed effort at weight loss, and hopefully continue to get fitter. Who knows, this time next year I may be off the Gliclazide as well, and maybe even the Metformin. A year ago, if anyone had told me I'd take up cycling in my mid-seventies, I'd have laughed in their face. But its made a world of difference, and I'm now feeling a lot more positive about my health, despite continuing problems in the non-diabetes departments. Hope this gives someone some encouragement.