Archive for the ‘Cure’ Category

Something was woefully lacking after my last attempt, and I quit eating the way I should (meat and veggies, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch, no sugar).  I can’t really explain it, I just didn’t have the proper motivation. 

A little knowledge goes a long way. 

 

Researchers in Newcastle upon Tyne in England have found that a severely restricted diet (about 600 calories per day) actually REVERSED the effects of Type II diabetes in study participants.  Participants were given a nutrition drink then ate non-starchy vegetables for eight weeks.  Researchers were surprised that after ONE WEEK participants had normal blood glucose levels.  After the full eight weeks they had normal pancreas function and insulin response. Remarkably, they maintained normal pancreas function after returning to a normal diet.

This struck me on two levels.  First, I found a cure.  It’s going to be hard, but it’s a cure for something that has been on monkey on my back for some time.  Second, the dietary suggestions we give (eat meat and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch and no sugar) seem to offer normal people the same benefit without going on a starvation diet and should allow for adequate nutrition while maintaining the positive effects of the initial diet.

(Reprinted  with permission)

I contacted a diabetes endocrinoligist at the behest of my wife and was told they would NOT monitor me while I attempt this.  They would gladly give me medication, however.  I just keep reminding myself how much money we will save not buying diabetes meds and there is even the possibility of rejoining the Army.  Interesting options. 

I just told my staff that they are to slap any food out of my hands that doesn’t fit my new eating plan.  That should make it interesting! 

Do I want this?  Yes.  Do I want it enough?  I believe so.  Cured of diabetes would go a LONG way in my line of work and life in general.

Good News/Bad News

Posted: 10 March 2011 in Cure, Diabetes
Tags: ,

A meeting with my intrepid endocrinologist returned some good news and some bad news.  I’m an American, so felt somewhat dejected when the doctor told me that other than diabetes, I’m completely healthy.  Honestly, I somewhat hoped I had some problem that a pill would fix.  I would even be up for a surgery.  Who wouldn’t?  We’re human beings and naturally want the easy way out.  I sat patiently through two veni-punctures and 11 vials of blood to get a complete picture of what’s going on inside my blood.

I have a follow up in three months and am curious how numbers will change now that I can exercise.  My current A1c is 6.8, which is my second highest ever.  When I quit taking glimepiride and started taking Byetta I lost 30 pounds but my A1c increased .4 points. My lipid panel also came back high even though I only stopped taking a statin three weeks ago.

Now I have to buckle down and fix this the old fashioned way:  diet, exercise and medication.  That’s a lot of miles, pull-ups and carrot sticks.