How baby steps lead to progress

The last time I sat in disbelief was on May 29 when I wrote that I was diagnosed as a Type-2 diabetic (read here).

How could I have let myself become so numb to not realize that every item I put in my mouth was slowly euthanizing my ability to live a long-lasting and healthy life.

You've followed my journey over the past 100 days or so  of trying to get in shape and conquer diabetes on social media when I occasionally post the infamous neighborhood pond photo (see left) while jogging in my neighborhood. 

Today I have good news. 


At my 3 month check-up this morning, I weighed in at 267 (down from 300 in mid-May). I could not believe my eyes.

Jennifer Warren, my Nurse Practitioner who has encouraged me along the way, informed me that my A1c level went down from 10 to 5.9. That level is considered on the cusp of being a pre-diabetic.

The fight isn't over though. I want to be under 230 by the end of the year and I know that will be challenging with the upcoming holiday season full of pumpkin spice and peppermint flavored desserts. I'm hopeful though. I  celebrated my first birthday with no birthday cake and magically I still turned a year older and didn't miss it. I still enjoy the food I want to eat but I know how many steps I have to take to deplete that pack of candy and it instantly makes me uninterested.

When I go to the gym, I see people of all shapes and sizes working out trying to better themselves. In the past, my peripheral vision could only see the fittest of the fit, discouraging me to compare myself to them. It's not about the radical changes in juicing and living a green-only diet or taking the pyramid scheme weight-loss supplements. It's about taking baby steps one at a time to introduce your body to its new regimen. Every body is different and only you will know what works best for you. I'm finally taking off the training wheels and getting used to it nearly a 1/3 of a year in. 

That being said, It hasn't been easy. I still feel nauseous daily while my medicines kick in. I firmly believe in a holistic approach but Metformin and Victoza have been my 'workout buddies' keeping me in line when I want to steer off and eat a donut or two. I've learned that insurance can completely suck. Although my workplace covers the cost of my insurance plan (for which I am grateful), many prescriptions are not covered and my Victoza costs around $400 a month.

This lifestyle is part of my new normal.  I haven't drank a sweet tea or pop (soda) since May 28 and my once caffeine addiction is now replaced with walking and light-jogging.

I'm training for my first 5k this weekend to support the real warriors; children of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and will be headed to Disney World on Tuesday; an appropriate celebration destination with still many opportunities to get in those steps.

I wouldn't be here without my incredible friends, family, and medical angels Kris, my nurse; and Jennifer Warren. It's the consistent empathy they share with me that get me through the cravings.

Wish me luck!

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