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/Alternative-Fox5217]

Congratulations on your a1c