Walter Wolf
Active Member
Update:
Well, it's been 5 months since the diagnosis and a lot has changed.
After my review in July, I was put on Qtern (a compound of saxagliptine and dapagliflozine). The side effects of the medication have completely worn off and my appetite has returned to normal.
My energy levels have also returned completely and I am now enjoying long walks upwards of 10km, several times a week. My weight has reduced from 110-115kg (around 18st) in May to 89kg (14st). This is less than I weighed when I was 14.
I had my latest review today, and my HbA1c is down to 5.9, compared to 7.5 in July and 11.3 in May.
Here is the rub. I have done this without changing or compromising a single thing about my diet. I continue to eat absolutely anything and everything and never even read labels.
The weight loss has been achieved through exercise alone. The exercise is not a trade-off, or a punishment, or anything like that. I do it because I enjoy it and want to do it.
The medication has given me back the physical energy and the mental will to get back to the person I was pre-diagnosis.
Overall, I can now say that I have got my life back and I am very much looking forward to my 5 months of winter travelling, heading off this Wednesday.
My advice to anyone who finds themselves in the position and mental space I was in 5 months ago is to give whatever medication is prescribed a fair try. Try different things if you have to. Then find what works for you, lifestyle-wise.
Sometimes people need a kick-start and the medication gave that to me. Someone else's kick-start might be diet change, if that works for you.
Everyone is an individual. Just find the thing that gets you moving in the right direction, even just a little. The rest will follow.
Well, it's been 5 months since the diagnosis and a lot has changed.
After my review in July, I was put on Qtern (a compound of saxagliptine and dapagliflozine). The side effects of the medication have completely worn off and my appetite has returned to normal.
My energy levels have also returned completely and I am now enjoying long walks upwards of 10km, several times a week. My weight has reduced from 110-115kg (around 18st) in May to 89kg (14st). This is less than I weighed when I was 14.
I had my latest review today, and my HbA1c is down to 5.9, compared to 7.5 in July and 11.3 in May.
Here is the rub. I have done this without changing or compromising a single thing about my diet. I continue to eat absolutely anything and everything and never even read labels.
The weight loss has been achieved through exercise alone. The exercise is not a trade-off, or a punishment, or anything like that. I do it because I enjoy it and want to do it.
The medication has given me back the physical energy and the mental will to get back to the person I was pre-diagnosis.
Overall, I can now say that I have got my life back and I am very much looking forward to my 5 months of winter travelling, heading off this Wednesday.
My advice to anyone who finds themselves in the position and mental space I was in 5 months ago is to give whatever medication is prescribed a fair try. Try different things if you have to. Then find what works for you, lifestyle-wise.
Sometimes people need a kick-start and the medication gave that to me. Someone else's kick-start might be diet change, if that works for you.
Everyone is an individual. Just find the thing that gets you moving in the right direction, even just a little. The rest will follow.