blood sugar and lifestyle change

When I was first diagnosed with diabetes type 2 my fasting blood sugar was 19. An excellent blood sugar level is anywhere between 6-8. I was three times the norm. In two weeks I was able to bring it down to 8.3, with one Metformin twice and day and through diet change and exercise. The main lifestyle changes that I have made is cutting out all the "whites"....white flour, white sugar, white pasta. The other HUGE change is that I'm exercising. My daily walks are not only really good for my physical body...they are incredible for my spiritual and emotional self. Now my waking blood sugar is 5.8 which is excellent! AT one point I had to take myself off the Metformin due to the fact that since I was also dieting and exercising my blood sugar was too low and low blood sugar is not fun either. When I met with my doctor and I told him about taking myself off the diabetic drug he really suggested that I instead cut the amount to 1/2 a pill twice a day because studies have shown that it works wonders with pre-diabetic people - it helps move the sugar around, it's great for the eyes and facilitates weight loss. BONUS! lol

My family and friends have been so incredibly supportive. My brother was telling me that when he was told he had high cholesterol he immediately cut out all fats out of his diet and he told me that he feels so much better. He was right. I cut butter out of my diet. I use olive oil instead. I season it with garlic and herbs. Delicious for dipping my whole grain French bread (yes- they now make them!).

I love my morning coffee....and I use to take it double double. I tried it with sugar twin and I just couldn't get pass the metal taste. So like my brother told me - drink it black...you can really taste and appreciate the coffee grinds...and he was right! It's all mind over matter. I no longer crave sugar or white bread. I think that eating or grazing as my friend Helen says every three hours helps so much. When I say every three hours I don't mean a full course meal lol but either an apple or other fruit, a handful of walnuts, a good helping of vegetables or yogurt.

I've introduced arm exercises and my yoga teacher Hannah has lent me her tape which she uses. I was so happy. It's a weekly routine, 2 days on one day off and it uses small weights and a chair...all in 30 minutes daily. I have a fabulous amount of wonderful friends and family which make it for a positive support system - which has helped me plough through this disease. It's so doable!