Tuesday, September 16, 2008

A strange anniversary to celebrate

...I mark a year of knowing I'm diabetic


BEFORE


AFTER

So, a year ago on this date I got the shocking, dismaying, disheartening news that I have Type 2 diabetes.

Actually, it wasn't official yet at that point. As I blogged shortly afterward:

My late father was diabetic (although that's not what claimed his life), my brother is, and a host of relatives and ancestors. For years, I knew I was at risk, and I had great intentions of being proactive and preventing it. Unfortunately, my efforts were sporadic and inadequate.

A couple of weeks ago, my friend Teri was here for the weekend. Teri had just found out a few months earlier that she is diabetic. She kept bugging me to take my blood sugar, and I kept resisting. I guess a part of me thought that what I didn't know wouldn't hurt me.

Now I'm thanking God that Teri insisted. My blood sugar was very high. I made a doctor's appointment, and I'm now taking medication for Type 2 diabetes.


So why am I celebrating?

Don't get me wrong. I would much rather NOT have diabetes, given a choice. However, I'm firmly convinced that if it hadn't been for my diagnosis, I would probably have still been eating horribly...not exercising...making occasional, short-lived attempts to lose weight...putting my health on the back burner, and my life at risk.

Since my diagnosis, I've lost 30 pounds. That may not be a lot for an entire year, but I believe that the entire story could be told in inches, not just pounds...since I've exercised, both cardio and weight-training, faithfully for this entire year.

I've revolutionized my eating...and yet, believe it or not, I enjoy food more than I ever did when I was busily stuffing it into my face. I focus on having fewer carbs, but having the right kind of carbs--whole grains, good fiber, healthy fruit and vegetables. And yes, the occasional treat.

So yes...I'm celebrating. Celebrating something I don't think I've ever accomplished in my entire adult life: an entire year of consistent healthy eating and regular exercise. Something I don't think I would have ever achieved if it hadn't been for that fateful day when my friend insisted I take a blood sugar test.

YOU may be able to avoid that diagnosis. Start being proactive now about eating the right kinds of foods and getting fit. Believe me, it's worth it!

This book was a huge help to me, and I highly recommend it.

8 comments:

Ann-Marie said...

You look FANTASTIC! I'm so proud of you battling this disease...and winning!

Juliet said...

Looking sooo good. And congratulations on being 30 pounds lighter.

We all should try and be better eaters. Thanks for sharing this with us.

Reformed Grits said...

Wow.. you look great! Blessing in disguise!

Barb said...

Thirty pounds is a LOT, Cindy, and because you lost it over a period of a year, it's a lot more likely to stay off. You look great.

You know how I feel about diabetes, although I'm a lot more familiar with juvenile (Type I). Good for you, for all the efforts you're making to improve your own health.

Ashley said...

Congratulations on your weight-loss success, Cindy! You look fantastic! I'm really proud of you for sticking with everything and improving your health. You're an inspiration!

Kay Day said...

Wow. I've been reading your blog at least a year, then!
Congrats on caring for yourself so well!

DK said...

Darlin' you look fabulous! Isn't it weird how blessings sometimes come disguised as bad news? Kudos for your perseverance!

Have a great weekend -
DK

Randy Spradlin said...

Cindy,

I'm proud of you for the progress you have made my friend. Some people would get the news and just succumb to it. They would just take pills or shots and that's all. But you have taken a very proactive step to beat this thing and lost weight in the process. You go girl! You always were a charming lady. The changes you are making makes you even more so!
I'm in your corner CindyLou. You hang in there. Your progress is going well!

Randy

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