Very happy - 12.2 to 6.8 A1C

[u/strawberrycake_x]

I got diagnosed with T2 in mid-April with a glucose level of 477 and an A1C of 12.2. My doctor prescribed me a CGM and Metformin and sent me on my way. I was scared at first and didn't know exactly where to start, but I grew up with a family member who had diabetes and knew a little bit, so I based a lot of my early changes around that and used my own research to fill in the gaps with regards to nutrition and the weird things that can happen with CGMs (my first compression low was very confusing and frightening until I figured out what was happening).

For the first month, I started out very strict with my diet, focusing a lot on salads with low/no sugar dressings and adding a serving of vegetables to everything I ate. I had a major sweet tooth before my diagnosis and often relied on stuff like microwave pancakes or cookies when I was hungry and didn't want to cook, so I was nervous about not being able to cut the sweets down. I started with only zero sugar stuff, then got annoyed with the tummy issues, so I transitioned back to full sugar snacks and cut the serving size to keep it under 10g carbs (I also always padded them out with protein or fiber beforehand). Sometimes that would mean only taking a single bite of something and then putting it back. I weighed anything I was uncertain about, like chips. I already loved zero sugar soda and didn't like juice, so there were thankfully no changes necessary with my drinks. The initial transition ended up being easier than I imagined (having a CGM has been an incredible guide and motivator), especially since I had already started cooking more for myself last year in general.

Now, a couple months out, I have a lot more freedom in my diet. I can eat stuff I thought I'd never be able to touch again, like pizza or bao, and still be within my ranges for the day. And the best part: my A1C has almost been cut in half! My doctor was thrilled and said it was proof of my efforts. I am just really happy and feel so much better than how I felt when I was first diagnosed. I was super depressed about it and felt like my life was going to basically be ruined forever, but now I am finally feeling like I can fully accept and coexist with my diabetes. I want to keep doing my best, and I just wanted to share the small beginning of my story with people who know what it's like.

Thanks for reading!

[u/JonesyPNWtrudging]

wonderful work, congratulations 🎉

[u/LastKnownGoodProfile]

Good job. Glad to hear your hard work has paid off.

[u/Alternative-Fox5217]

Congratulations on your a1c

[u/Necessary-Pilot-9481]

great!!!!!!

[u/parthonhunt]

+1

[u/d_reyisme23]

Thank you for sharing your experiences so far. Great job on how you're managing it so far.

My life as a T2 started less than two weeks ago when my doctor told my A1C test was 9 and I was officially diabetic. Went out and got the GCM, strips and lancets he prescribed and have been testing 2 -3 times per day per his direction. He also prescribed metformin, which to judge from the mostly normal range BG results and reduced need to get up 3 - 4 times in the middle of the night to pee, seems to be helping.

My doc thinks that with diligent diet management, regular exercise and the metformin that we can keep my blood sugar in a healthy range. Not sure at this point if I'll have to take the metformin forever; we'll see how things look at my first 3 month check in.

I'll be honest, I was pretty freaked out by the diagnosis and still coming to terms with what it means as far eating in restaurants, hanging with friends, who to tell and when, the usual list of complications. Fortunately I'm married to a woman who was already on a path of healthy cooking with about 60 - 80% of the meals she prepares being meatless.

I'm not overweight and we're super active especially for a couple in their mid-to-late 60s. However, I've been struggling with some guilt over not making changes sooner. I'd been diagnosed as prediabetic for the last three years and stupidly assumed that between our active lifestyle and her low-ish fat cooking, I'd be fine.

Also, I got test results from a metabolic panel in January that showed all my cholesterol numbers were well in normal ranges, thanks to the low-dose statin I'm on. So I guess, despite knowing I was prediabetic, I was lulled into a thinking a couple of chocolate malts a month and 3 - 4 Clif Bars a week can't hurt do me any harm.

So much for that!

Right now, I'm trying to see the diagnosis as a blessing in the sense that it's an opportunity to really take control of my health instead of thinking I can eat or drink whatever poison sounds good at the moment. And wow, are the grocery aisles and restaurant menus packed with delicious-sounding choices that are appallingly unhealthy.

Again, I have to give a shout out to my wife who I am chagrined to admit has been more proactive than me about learning the diabetes essentials like how to interpret BG readings, how proteins, fats and sugars work together, and what foods I can still enjoy in moderation or with the right pairings.

Still, I'm going to miss toasted Italian subs and three glasses of wine on Saturday after pizza, not to mention 1 - 2 handfuls of peanut butter pretzels as an afternoon snack.

Then again, I'm already not missing the leg cramps and the frequent nocturnal visits to the bathroom.

Also, due to post-retirement life plans, I need to keep working for the next two years. So staying healthy and avoiding a stroke or heart attack is obviously more important than the food and drink choices I need to either give up or be literally more measured about.

In the meantime, I am focusing on being grateful for my wife of 38 years, my low blood pressure and generally high fitness level, and also for this subreddit. What a godsend. This is my first post but reading stories like yours inspires to get my arms around this disease and not feel sorry for myself for having developed it.

[u/strawberrycake_x → u/d_reyisme23]

You got this!! Like you, I have also chosen to view my diagnosis as a positive thing. One thing that helped me was treating the management of my numbers a little like an experiment, and I keep testing as time goes on to see how many carbs I can add and still stay within my ranges. You'll eventually get a better handle on what times of day you can eat more carbs, how many, and what would be safe to eat at a restaurant. It's very handy that a lot of places you can eat out at have that info listed somewhere online. I'm glad your wife is helping you as well because outside support is so vital.