Diabetic Sly Guys

[marshd1000]

As some of you know, I am a bigger sly guy who has struggled for years with losing weight.  I love to eat....especially foods that are bad for me.  I only very occasionally have alcohol and don't smoke or do any illegal drugs.  So my main vice is overeating.

Well, last Monday, I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.  I am not going to let it get the best of me.  Even before this diagnoses, I had been losing weight.  It is NOT insulin dependant.  I am determined to shed the weight so I won't have to be on drugs.

So I am wondering if any of you have dealt with this?  What do you do and how are you doing?  I would be interested in knowing!

[Sgt. Pate]

Most hospitals offer a Diabetes Wellness Program to educate you about diabetes, if you have one available it's very good information but...

I was just like you last year, I didn't take the warnings very seriously and now I'm on insulin because I didn't change my diet and exercise.  

[D.A.L.U.I.]

Don't worry, diagnosed Type 2 at 25, off meds by virtue of exercise and diet, LOTS of exercise, by 30.  No problems until late 50's when back surgery put me off my exercise for six months.  You can do this, I do it--but it does take a lot of planning, and EXERCISE.  LIVE w/ Type 2, don't die of it.  I do take a lot of other meds for related conditons, Syndrome X, blood pressure, cholesteral, peripheral neuropathy but I am a whole lot healthier than others who just won't exercise.  I've tested my fasting bp before and after a 30 minute route on the elipitical trainer and seen 3 points or more drop off.  Low glycemic diet works--a little tricky to adapt, but anything is better than the meds--they actually make you gain weight.  Work and Live Hard, you will survive. 

[marshd1000]

I should also mention that my blood pressure is excellent and so are the bad levels of cholesterol.  But my good cholestorol is low.  I was told this is a genetic thing.  My triglycerides are high.  So I am going to have to start taking baby asprin.  I appreciate any suggestions and encouragement!  Thanks guys!

[Sgt. Pate]

Yup... exercise.  Lot's of cardio to burn the sugar in your blood and boost that good cholesterol!  Now, don't forget to remind me okay? 

[marshd1000]

I am hoping to get back to the gym this week!  Currently, I have company at home.  So the work starts after they leave.  Sgt Pate, get out the gym!  I will do likewise!

[D.A.L.U.I.]

Marsh, I don't mean to be harsh, but don't hope, do it.  This namby pamby attitude about loss of weight, working out and diet is now not an option for you, that like your hair days is gone and it ain't coming back.  Get your A$$ to the gym tomorrow, walk a 1/4 mile and increase it by a block a day until you're walking three miles a day.  Lose the 10-15% of body weight the Dr. told you to, this isn't an option anymore guy, it's your life. 
This is the roughest I've ever written on this forum, but guy it's your life, don't talk DO IT.

I am hoping to get back to the gym this week! 

[marshd1000]

Saintc,

I appreciate the truth that you just spoke to me.  I know that "hoping" is not a option.  I am the world's worst time manager.  So now I HAVE to make time for fitness whether I like it or not.  I just don't always use the right words when I post.  Hoping is not the right word.  "Doing" is the right word.  I WILL make the effort and I WILL exercise, eat right and lose weight.  Look for my progress on my post on the weight loss challenge.

[D.A.L.U.I.]

Saintc,

I appreciate the truth that you just spoke to me.  I know that "hoping" is not a option.  I am the world's worst time manager.  So now I HAVE to make time for fitness whether I like it or not.  I just don't always use the right words when I post.  Hoping is not the right word.  "Doing" is the right word.  I WILL make the effort and I WILL exercise, eat right and lose weight.  Look for my progress on my post on the weight loss challenge.

You seem to understand the challenge and message.  You can do it, it's just not an option anymore.

[Sgt. Pate]

Sgt Pate, get out the gym!  I will do likewise!

Aye aye Marsh! 

[tomgallagher]

Count me in to the group guys. Trying to get my numbers under control. I have neuropathy in the legs and hands. I am in a wheel chair so my exercise options are limited.

[Robmeister]

Marsh, I don't mean to be harsh, but don't hope, do it.  This namby pamby attitude about loss of weight, working out and diet is now not an option for you, that like your hair days is gone and it ain't coming back.  Get your A$$ to the gym tomorrow, walk a 1/4 mile and increase it by a block a day until you're walking three miles a day.  Lose the 10-15% of body weight the Dr. told you to, this isn't an option anymore guy, it's your life. 
This is the roughest I've ever written on this forum, but guy it's your life, don't talk DO IT.

I am hoping to get back to the gym this week! 

Gotta agree with Saint.


Marsh, my man….I was diagnosed in September of ‘08
The meds will stabilize you, but make it a point to say, “Alright, dammit, this is my wake up call to stop screwin’ around.”  And get determined to get off meds by virtue of GITTING’ER DONE!!!
The big “D” is nothing to screw around with, man!!!

[Razor X]

Saintc,

I appreciate the truth that you just spoke to me.  I know that "hoping" is not a option.  I am the world's worst time manager.  So now I HAVE to make time for fitness whether I like it or not.  I just don't always use the right words when I post.  Hoping is not the right word.  "Doing" is the right word.  I WILL make the effort and I WILL exercise, eat right and lose weight.  Look for my progress on my post on the weight loss challenge.

We all think that we don't have time to go to the gym; I've been as guilty as anyone.  But the truth is, it's a matter of setting priorities.  I've gone from not having time to go to the gym to not having time to do certain other things, because the gym now comes first.  If you do it consistently for long enough, it becomes a deeply ingrained habit, like anything else.  I was never one who enjoyed exercise very much and never thought I'd ever get to like it, but I really hate myself on days that I don't go to the gym.  Take it from this former couch potato -- it is possible to develop new, healthy habits.  It takes a little time and a lot of hard work, but it can be done.

Good luck.

[TheSlyBear]

I think a lot of people use "the gym" as an excuse to put things off. You don't need a gym to start on your path.

I've simply been going out every evening for a vigorous 2-mile walk for the past three months and I've dropped almost 30 pounds.

Don't use "I can't get to a gym" as an excuse. Just get a good pair of walking shoes and git on out there!

P.S. I'm not saying not to join a gym if that's what you want to do -- just saying that you don't need to gate getting started on joining one.

[marshd1000]

WOW!!!!  I am overwhelmed by all your responses!  I will keep you informed about my progress.  I feel fortunate that I have a chance to get in better shape.  But I know that I can't let time pass by!  So keep me in your thoughts and prayer on this!  Thanks!