February 21, 2008: The look on the nurses face is something I will never forget. Then the words that changed my life "Ms. Fletcher we can't go forward with the knee surgery. Did you know you had diabetes?". I looked blankly back and said, yes but I didn't think it was that serious as my doctor didn't really seem excited about the numbers on the report in November. I didn't feel bad, a little run down but still able to work and work out until I blew my knee out in January.

So began the journey of being diagnosed with Type II Diabetes. When I started researching the different ways to manage diabetes I was overwhelmed with the amount and conflicting information that is out there. I believe that sometimes the information highway may be a bit fast and we need to get off on a side road so we can read the map.

Of course we have to have that map first. When I was first diagnosed with diabetes I was so angry at myself because I knew it ran in my family, I knew I was overweight, I knew I didn't exercise enough. So I had a choice at that moment, I could just give up, take the medication that was prescribed and changed nothing in my lifestyle. Or do something about it.

So, I made a decision. I was going to take responsibility for my health and actually listen to the health avatars out there that were trying to tell us we as a nation are in a health crisis. I was that person that ate out at fast food restaurants at least 5 times a week. I blamed it on my lifestyle as a sales rep on the road all the time. I wanted to blame it on heredity; it ran in my family. I came to that realization that it is up to me to use the knowledge that is out there. Doctors can't MAKE me healthy, they can only advise us and hope we do the right thing.

The first thing to do when you are diagnosed with any illness is to find out everything you can about the illness and what stage are you in. If medication is being prescribed learn everything you can about that medication so you are aware of any side affects and can deal with them. Find a good naturopath or resource that you can use to find out natural alternatives. Remember just because it is natural doesn't always mean it is better. I am of the belief that I try everything natural before going the prescription route. That is between you and your doctor, but if you do go with natural make sure you are up front with your doctor to make sure they know there is an added component in managing your illness.

You will find there are a couple of things said over and over when talking about how to manage diabetes.

1. Diet: There are some great cookbooks out there specifically on diabetes. Make sure it is food you will actually eat. As with any diet if you can't tolerate the food you won't stick with it. Lots of Veges! Get as fresh as you can, steam them, eat them raw but your body needs these to heal. I was a Carb/refined sugar freak. I cut out all bread/cereal/dairy as well as soda (big one here for losing weight) and then have been slowly adding healthy grain breads/cereals and no fat milk back in in small amounts. Definitely read labels. Portion size will amaze you <smile>.
2. Exercise: Check with your doctor if you have never exercised before. My routine is the treadmill (since I still have a knee injury) 1 hour a day. I worked up to this and found it is a great way to catch up with my reading. Even if you just get out and take a walk during the day. It doesn't have to be much to start but you must exercise.
3. Supplements: This is a tricky one. I am a firm believer that all supplements work for someone but not all supplements work for everyone. So again do your homework. Make sure you read all the ingredients and that the product is as pure as possible. When I am researching a product I try to find blogs that tell me good and bad so I can make an informed decision. I found a couple of different ones that worked for me. Find the ones that work for you.

So after all the work does it do any good? I am just like most people, I need to see results. I was fortunate to have great mentors that helped me stay on track. I have lost 60lbs to date a little at a time (started in Dec. 2006), Started a rigorous routine of diet/exercise and supplements. I had another blood test taken on 3/28/08 that showed my Triglycerides went from 732 to 150; glucose went from 322 to 177; AC1 from 13 to 10.5.

These numbers are still high, however if I continue on the path I have chosen I know I can reverse the effects of the Diabetes to bring it under control at this time. I have been able to delay any medication (who knows if that will change in the future). But, I also know that I must stay vigilant or I will be back to square one.

There is hope. But we are are our own best hope.