Lost 95 pounds, No longer require Type II diabetes or cholesterol medications!

[aec]

I have not been on this board for quite some time but would like to give those with Type II diabetes some positive feedback on maintaining a Low Carb diet.

In August, 2000 I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes and high cholesterol and put on medication for both conditions. At 250 pounds I knew that I had to do something to get my weight and health under control. I have a daughter with Type I diabetes and knew that the only way to lower my blood sugar level was to cut back on carbs.

I started Protein Power on September 1st, 2000. Within 3 months of starting my "Low Carb Lifestyle" (notice I didnt say "diet" ) my blood sugar levels returned to normal and I was taken off of my oral medication, Metformin. Within 6 months my cholesterol level returned to normal and I was taken off of the cholesterol medications.

It is now 6 1/2 years later and I am still following a "Low Carb Lifestyle" I have not eaten any bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, cake, cookies, etc for the entire 6 1/2 years. I have lost 95 pounds (I am now 155 pounds) and have never had a reoccurance of Type II diabetes or high cholesterol. I would still like to lose 10 more pounds ( I am female, and 5ft 6 inches tall) If it happens, it happens, if it doesnt then I am still a winner because I have regained my health following this "Low Carb Lifestyle".

Do I miss eating all of those goodies? Sometimes yes but most of the time no. That is because I now know what those foods were doing to me. I had been overweight all of my life, even as a kid. I started Protein Power when I was 47 years old. I am now 53 and enjoying the healthy, slim life that I deserve..... something that I missed out on as a child, teen, and young adult.

It is never too late to start. Even if your weight loss is not substantial, the health benefit alone is much more valuable than the number on your scale!

aec

[Missy]

:D Bravo ARC! Congratulations and GOOD FOR YOU!! How inspiring! :D

[gitfiddle]

That's so inspiring, AEC! I was on my way to that end but suffered a temporary setback. I got off the meds and got my numbers down to normal in about the same length of time. Still working on the weight, though. I agree that it's never too late to start. Or start again.

Are you going to hang around and join us? We are a vigorous community and we have lots of good reading.

[mepc06]

AEC....I know exactly what you mean. Type 2 diabetes diagnosed in 1996, I was put on Insulin when I became pregnant in 1999. There were days, because of my eating I was taking 35 units of Humalog 2 or sometimes even 3 times a day. I started on plan "again" in October 06. The last bottle of insulin I bought was in November. I haven't used any insulin since January, I've only used insulin 6 times since November 2nd. I've found that even when I overeat and my blood sugar goes up, it comes right back down all by itself....and that is the coolest thing.

I've lost 100+ pounds since April 2005, 50+ since October of 2006 with about 40 more to go. I no longer take the hypertension medication as well.

There are naysayers out there who will always say the plan doesn't work, is unhealthy etc....but when you can do something that will allow you become healthier and drug free....how can that be wrong....

Welcome back and goodluck on your continued success.

Michelle

[artsdesireincanada]

AEC....I know exactly what you mean. Type 2 diabetes diagnosed in 1996, I was put on Insulin when I became pregnant in 1999. There were days, because of my eating I was taking 35 units of Humalog 2 or sometimes even 3 times a day. I started on plan "again" in October 06. The last bottle of insulin I bought was in November. I haven't used any insulin since January, I've only used insulin 6 times since November 2nd. I've found that even when I overeat and my blood sugar goes up, it comes right back down all by itself....and that is the coolest thing.

I've lost 100+ pounds since April 2005, 50+ since October of 2006 with about 40 more to go. .

Michelle

Gosh you sound like me! I was gestational diabetic in 1990, and was told I would be diabetic within five years. I was again diagnosed type 11diabetic in 2006. After a very long year on pills, that made me sicker, alllergy to metformin. I was put on insulen, and glyburide. I was taking 35 units in the morning, 45 untils at supper and 16 units at bedtime. Plus 4 glyburide a day. My cholesrol was 9.3 should have been 3.0, triglycerides were 29, shouldha been 5. :eek: I put what it should have been because in Canada it is measured differently and this gives you an idea. Basically you could deep fry stuff in my veins :o

I am also on some vits Diabetes medical food, that seem really good and I take fish oil three tiems aday. I went on PP diet sorta at first. :rolleyes: was waiting for the vits to arrive. but my insulen went in those three days to 30, 42 and 14. hmmm a bit more than ten percent. I have no idea about the other readings they will take care of themselves. Since the vits arrived I have lost four pounds and it is only two weeks. (Oh I love the lazagnia recipe in the book! It is awesome)

Stories like yours really give me incentive and determination to stick to this. Thanks for putting this up. You are awesome and an inspiration. :nod::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Mal Lady]

Welcome back AEC!!!!!!!!!!

I am so inspired by your story. Congratulations on your weight loss!!! That is a big accomplishment!

I did not have diabetes but, would have bouts of low blood sugar. I had know idea why I would get so sick. Once, I was so low I was talking delirously, and I didn't know why.:eek: I weighed 215 lbs. and felt terrible all the time. I developed hypothyroidism and needed to take pills to get back to normal. Being on prednisone for Rheumatoid arthritis was not helping with the weight and the high blood pressure. I found PP and have lost 65 lbs. (5'4" and female). I too would like to lose another 10-15 lbs. I have found that these last pounds are really hard to get off but, will stick to it and eventually I hope they will be gone. But, I will never return to my former way of eating ever again!

We just need to stick with it and keep up the good work!

Sharon

[nrobles]

Jonny Bowden has a great section on "plateaus" in "Living the Low Carb Life". Page 255. Atkins "New Diet Revolution" is mentioned, page 272. I haven't looked it up yet. I haven't arrived at a real plateau yet but am keeping the information close at hand. I'm down around 60 lbs. I developed diabetes/hypertension/hyperlipidemia and have experienced a "cure" living the PP way. Thanks. You are all so helpful and generous with your keen insights. I learn more in the forums than in most books.

[nrobles]

There was life at the funeral home! I was at my uncles' wake last week and saw family members I hadn't seen in a while. Many were quite heavy. Many diabetic/hypertensive. Next day my sister called. She and 7 other family want my diet. They said I looked at least ten years younger and vibrant compared to my same age cousins who were also there. They've started a group and want my advice. I quickly distributed part of my "stash" of the 30 day PP book in spanish and we'll be meeting next week. Unfortunately this book is really hard to get. I waited 6 weeks and only got 19 of the 30 ordered. We need the PP books in spanish! ASAP.

[Karole]

Oh how wonderful for your extended family !! Isn't it exciting to think your wol has reached out to others and may save lives. I am so proud they could relate your healthy look to your lifestyle and want to learn about it (and do it) Hooray for all of you.

[Missy]

That's awesome NR!!!! :D

[gitfiddle]

By being an example of what can be done, NR, you reach the people who are truly looking for a guide. Great job! I really wish there was a Spanish translation of PP. There is so much background in it!

[randysgrandma]

Thanks for posting your success. That is so encouraging. It has only been about six months since I started seriously low carbing. I have lost 18 pounds and have reduced my diabetes meds. I am type 2 for 10 years.

I am so hoping that once I lose some more weight, I will be able to get off all the meds.

Do you, or did you exercise as part of your routine? I was walking but it is terribly cold here now, abnormally cold for November. I have had to give up walking.

randysgrandma

[nrobles]

I did manage to pry myself from the couch I was a potatoe in for so long. I also started taking supplements for the diabetes. Cinnamon, chromium picolinate, gynmena sylvestre, fennugreek. I have subsequetly quit most and kept the chromium. I use lots of powdered cinnamon in my protein shake. You can get some elastic bands and try some light resistance exercises. Or a stationary bike to keep moving even in the cold. I live in the caribbean and it's quite warm here year round. Good luck to you. Don't give up. The best is yet to come/.

[Ammy]

Yes, resistance bands are fantastic!
You can buy a three-pack of "pilates bands" at Target for under $10, and they have a workout routine in the box so you can figure out how to use them!

[alexandra]

thanks for the inspiration!