Getting into Shape

Hi All,

I was diagnosed T2 12 months ago and set out a long term plan to lose weight and get fit. Last years goal was to lose the weight, which is what I did, this years goal is to really get super fit.

Its well documented how excercise can help with Diabetes and I would have to say that Even after losing 6 stone, eating very sensibly and doing gentle excercise my Blood Pressure remained above 140.

However, I have been running now for 3 weeks and last night for the 1st time my Blood Pressure was below 120. I check at home every day and I have seen a steady drop over the past couple of weeks and i'm over the moon.

I really didn't fancy taking Blood pressure tablets and hopefully I am making steps in getting myself off the medication totally - I still need 2 Metformins to help with my BG.

My biggest challenge is work. I have a desk job as a manager and this week I have had to put in nearly 70 hours. Things are getting worse and hours are getting longer and i'm really having to stay focused in the DB control to stop myself getting into the state i was in before. I am exhausted when I get home. I do take a walk at Lunch time although this is becoming really political as i'm seen to be a 'slacker' for actually leaving the office and having some sort of break, even though its only for 20 mins, where I return and eat my lunch at my computer.

Anyway, i'm really going to stick at it and am going to make sure I get 2 or 3 fun runs in this year and hopefully aim for a half marathon next year.

I kayak with a local club on Sunday mornings also but the lake and canals have been mostly frozen for weeks so I am missing this.

I will keep posting with my progress (good and bad). I hope to lose around another 11 pounds also, this will see my BMI at 23.

Good luck to others and hopefully we can motivate each other.

carl

Hi Lovinglife,

I started the running a few weeks ago. I went onto Itunes and downloaded an NHS podcast called 'couch to 5k'.

Its great, starts you off with walking and builds up to short runs.

Give it a try if you fancy, google it and it will take you to the NHS website where you can download it too. Its a lot easier than setting your bum on fire (LOL). I'm on week 4 of 9.

Take care

carl

Now on week 5, Run 2. That's me and the dog 8 Minutes run, 5 Minutes walk over 40 Minutes. Would really reccomend the podcast. I couldn't run for love nor money only a few weeks ago.

I feel much better but still have 10 pounds to lose to get my final bit of flabby belly gone. I am targetting Easter to be at 12 stone 3 and a BMI of 23. This last 1 stone is proving very hard to shift!

Carl

Hi all,

After doing really well - I can now run easilly for 1/2 hour without getting out of breath or feeling too tired, I seem to be falling off the wagon a little.

I am finding that the extra excercise is making me really hungry. I have had a couple of sessions when I've got out of bed at 2 or 3 in the morning after not being able to sleep due to tummy rumbles and pigged out a little.

This week, my arch enemy 'Jam' made an appearance on a couple of slices of toast and last night I was craving chocolate. I haven't really eaten any for over a year so I got some of the 90% cocoa type and indulged myself.

My eating regime despite these 2 slippages remains strict with fish and chicken my staple diet with veg / salad and 2 slices of burgen soya and linsead per day. My weight this week though has crept up by a couple of pounds.

This week one of those NHS health Buses was on the business park where I work so I went along at lunch for a health check. The nurses were great and looked after me a treat. My BG was 4.5, BMI 25, Cholestorol was 3.29 but my Blood pressure was through the roof at 165 / 87. After 10 mins it had dropped to 156 / 84 but this, I know is way too high, especially for us Diabetics. I have raised concern with my Doctor but he keeps telling me not to worry as its not that high. I'm getting frustrated by it! I have dropped coffee (its the only vice I have) and have not run for a few days as I'm feeling a little down in the dumps but am keeping up my daily 2 mile walk with the dog. The Nurse said she would call my doctor and send him my health check.

There's no doubt stress is not helping at the minute with long days (and nights) at work. My wife is getting on my case over the long days having to leave home at 6am and getting home at 7.30 pm. By the time I've eaten dinner, prepared my packed meals for the next day It really is time for bed and squeezing a 'run' in is taking up the 1/2 hr or so time that I clearly should be spending with the missus. Its a good job the kids are grown up as I would be neglecting them too.

Despite all this, I really am trying with my health, i'm taking cod liver oil, a garlic tablet, a daily multi vitiman, cider vinegar and 1/2 an asprin all on top of my healthy eating regime and my metformin but am at a loss as how to fix my Blood pressure without the help of my GP and what to do with my running if its making me eat more and gain weight.

Carl

Hi All,

Running going great. Now up to 5 miles, 3 times per week. Have booked a 5k run in a few weeks and starting training serious from Sunday for a half marathon in June. I stumbled on a 16 week training programme so falls in perfectly.

weight loss just isn't happening though at all. I would still like to lose around 12 pounds to get my BMI to 23. I guess I must be eating too much but its a difficult isn't it when you're juggling Blood sugar levels, energy and excercise.

I feel so much better having give bread up completely. I was only eating 2 slices of burgen soya and linsead per day. At 11 carbs it wasn't really affecting my BG but was making me feel tired and bloated. 'm wondering whether I have become wheat intolerant of sorts.

Carl

Hi Viv,

Thanks for the support!

The dog is doing great thanks. She is literally dragging me around our regular run. It gets a bit dodgy though when she runs round a lamp post the other way and we both end up tied up in the middle!

Hows things with you?

carl