About 1 1/2 years ago, my physician called my house. That's reason for alarm right there. He told me my numbers were pretty good generally "but you're pre-diabetic."
"What?" I caught my breath. Apparently my A1C had moved past the recommended range and was around 6.6. I never thought of myself as diabetic. Didn't know what to attribute this situation to-- sure I like to eat alot, but I've always been fond of exercise and have pretty decent cholesterol numbers. "Give me a chance to get my numbers down, please," I requested.
My physician agreed to give me some time to lower my numbers and I think I got them down to an A1C reading of around 5.8. I felt like I had some control of the situation.
The next year I went in for the annual physical, not thinking overly much about A1C. Another call from the doctor with the results. "You're diabetic!"
"What the hell?" I thought-- but just kept my mouth shut.
"I'm recommending you take a diabetes class," he said. I heaved a sigh of relief. Any class sounded better than getting on meds. I went to a class afforded by Seton Hospital. But the other cool thing, I get a Glucometer from Blue Cross. They showed me how to use the deal at diabetes class. You stick your finger with a tiny lancelet and press the drop of blood to a test strip.
Miracle of miracles-- I got some insight into my dietary habits. I have fondness for carbs, bordering on addiction, and I like rich fatty foods-- like mayonnaise and ice cream and croissants. By checking my blood glucose on a daily basis all the culprits were revealed. I started moving away from foods, like bread, I thought I never could do without and got really focused on my pedometer and my Fitbit.
10,000 steps a day proved to be a great guideline for getting the blood sugar down. I went back to the doctor and my A1C was down to 5.9. He seemed happy with that and I was elated! And my friends have noticed I've lost weight.
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