3 Steps I Took To Turn Diabetes Around!

 Hi Everyone,

Last week I shared about that visit to the doctor where I was given news that I never expected to hear. This was the visit where the doctor told me that I was diabetic and needed to begin medication. I also shared that I did not follow my doctor’s advice to begin medication. Instead, I decided to take my health into my own hands. I also promised to share with you exactly what I did.

I also mentioned in last week’s post, at my next doctor’s appointment, that same day, my ophthalmologist recommended a book that she felt would help. Since I was willing to try almost anything, I ordered an e-book version that day. This book turned things around for me. I began a Journey to A Healthy Lifestyle!

I always thought I lived a fairly healthy lifestyle.

Let me back up a bit. I always thought I lived a fairly healthy lifestyle. As a young adult, I cooked from scratch because that’s what we did back then. That’s how I learned.  We thought Jiffy Pop, instead of kernels in a pot, was a big deal. We did not have the same conveniences in place that we have now. In today’s world there are a wide variety of prepackaged foods. Since I didn’t really eat a lot of that, I considered myself a healthy eater.

As an adult, wife and mother, I continued to cook from scratch. Basically, because I found it to be the best way to stay within the grocery budget I had set for my family. I bought the main staple supplies that I needed, flour, sugar, pasta, meat eggs, etc. You know, the items needed to create the meals. I still made everything from scratch. That was healthy right?

On top of that, I had strict limitations on the amount of sugar my children were allowed to have. They didn’t even really know about sugar on cereal, for example, until one of my mother’s visits. She sprinkled sugar on their cereal and they asked her what it was.

Since I followed the same practices I had in place for my kids, and because I could not think of one person in my family that was diabetic, I was totally confused at my doctor’s visit.

I was determined that I was not going to add another medication to the two that I was already taking. I also knew that diabetes is nothing to play around with. I had no idea what Iwas going to do, but I had to try something different. On top of it all I was scared!

That visit to the ophthalmologist was a life-changer. She suggested the book “The End of Diabetes” by Dr. Joel Furhmann. You can find it on online. He has several books related to healthy eating to prevent illness. From there I gained the confidence to follow what I believed and declare:

Diabetes here I come to kick you out!

These are the steps I followed to get my A1c back to normal, get my weight down and begin living a truly healthy lifestyle.

1. Get A Proven Plan!

OK, so I ordered the e-book format of the book, immediate access. I opened that book and began following the directions to put an end to my diabetes that very day. Instant access on my favorite shopping website made such a step quite easy.

Anyway, my fear had gripped me, and I was driven and determined to put an end to the diabetes that apparently had taken residence in my body. I try not to make decisions and actions based in fear, but in this case, I must admit, it ended with a positive result. In my fear, I followed the directions in the book exactly.

The plan that I followed involved a complete transition from my ‘thought to be healthy’ lifestyle to one that was healthier. I was already exercising, but it was hit or miss, which doesn’t work in an actual healthy lifestyle. Even though I did not then, and still do not like exercise, I had to commit to a regular exercise schedule.

2. Choose A Willing Doctor

In my case I had to get a new doctor because the doctor I had for years was not willing to work with me on this. You will need to work with your doctor in this lifestyle transition, especially if you are already taking medication to control your diabetes or other chronic health conditions. This is because the changes in lifestyle can possibly affect your need for certain medications which should be closely monitored.

My new doctor agreed to a three-month period after which I would be re-tested and we would go from there. To my doctor’s surprise, I showed up three months later 30 pounds lighter and my A1C was 5.6! He was shocked to say the least. He explained that most of the time doctors simply prescribe the medication because the overall feeling is that most people won’t do what I did and would rather take the easy way out.  Medication!

If doctors know that many conditions can be avoided or corrected with lifestyle changes, why do they prescribe medications that cover symptoms and often make you sicker in the process?? I don’t believe that people want the easy way out, and for many, given specific guidelines to follow, they would choose that option.

If patients were educated about the different approaches, they could take to reverse many illnesses, I think they would rather follow those steps instead of taking yet another medication with side effects that would scare you in the process. If I could do this, anyone can.

3. Have Faith & Manage Stressors

The final change, which we don’t usually think about, was relying on our faith and relieving stress and overall outlook on life. This part was not a huge change for me. You will need to evaluate this area of your life. We often rely on our faith for healing from an illness or other more concrete things in our lives. We don’t always think about it related to lifestyle changes of this nature.

We also at times are very good at not showing the stress in our lives and keep it hidden. We also show our best behavior related to attitudes, ideas, depression and other outlooks on life. I’m sure you understand what I mean.

To improve our health we must be honest, at least with ourselves, and go from there in creating balance between our outlook and how we show it to or hide it from others.  I have found that usually hiding how we feel creates more stress.

During this transition, I needed to pray daily not only for my ability to follow the changes, but that these would be true lifestyle changes and not just a temporary fix. With God’s help, I was able to be successful at both.

. . .you can change anything that you want.

As with any changes in lifestyle the transition process may prove challenging. My experience has proven that if proper steps are taken and supports are in place, you can change anything that you want.

If you are interested in transitioning to a healthier lifestyle, have current health concerns or like I was, scared and willing to do whatever it takes, join me in my online course. The course is Journey to A Lifestyle That Heals. This is an intensive 12-week course in which I guide and support you through all of the steps to transition to a healthier lifestyle that is long-term and not a “fad” temporary diet.

Get more information about a Journey to A Lifestyle That Heal.

“Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit”

“Every step is progress, no matter how small!”

**DISCLAIMER~PLEASE NOTE**– I am not a medical professional. This post is based upon my own experiences and is not intended to suggest that others take it as professional medical advice. Always consult your medical professional before making any changes to your medication or lifestyle.

Your Future Pilot to Transformation,

BA Design ~ MA Ed ~ Certified Life Coach ~ Workshop Facilitator