Four years ago, I found myself sitting nervously in the doctor’s office for my annual physical check-up, unaware that I was about to receive alarming news. When the results came in, my heart sank—I was pre-diabetic! My A1C blood sugar levels registered at 5.6, just shy of the warning zone where diabetes could take hold. The benchmark for pre-diabetes ranges from 5.7 to 6.4, and there I was, teetering on the edge of a troubling health fate.
Panic quickly set in as I turned to my doctor, the fear of complications and the possibility of a diabetes diagnosis looming large in my mind. “Does this mean I could face serious consequences, even death, from full-blown diabetes?” I blurted out, anxiety coursing through me.
My doctor leaned in, her tone calm and reassuring. “Not at all! Look on the bright side; it’s not diabetes yet. You have the power to take control of your health and reverse this.”
Her words struck me like a jolt of electricity, awakening me to the urgent reality of my situation. It was the wake-up call I desperately needed, setting me on a path to reclaim my health and make lasting changes.
Over the past couple of years, I have been keeping a log of my caloric intake, paying particular attention to my carbohydrate consumption. I have shifted towards a low-carb, high-protein diet, and I have reduced my sugar and salt intake. Most importantly, under the guidance of my fitness coach, I have been engaging in enjoyable exercise routines. I also take Metformin to help maintain my glucose levels within a normal range. Additionally, my doctor periodically checks my blood levels of hemoglobin A1C to ensure they have not significantly increased.
Diabetes is one of the most significant health challenges we face today, affecting approximately 30.3 million Americans—many of whom, nearly one in four, are unaware that they have the condition. The link between diabetes and serious health issues, such as cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure, is clear. Additionally, this chronic illness can lead to various complications, including strokes, diabetic retinopathy, kidney problems, digestive issues, and nerve damage.
Living with diabetes, whether it’s Type 1, Type 2, or gestational, can be incredibly challenging and often overwhelming. It’s essential to recognize these feelings and understand that you are not alone on this journey. The good news is that there is hope. Recent advancements in treatment are transforming diabetes management. Innovative therapies developed over the last decade have made a significant difference. For example, non-invasive A1C tests allow doctors to measure and monitor blood glucose levels with greater precision.
According to Innovation.org, new forms of insulin and autoimmune vaccines are now available in convenient pen formats. These advancements not only improve patient adherence but also reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. Additionally, exciting once-daily oral treatments have been developed that help slow the progression of organ complications in patients. Notably, recent trials of oral insulin have demonstrated that early intervention can delay the onset of type 1 diabetes by an impressive average of 31 months.
Moreover, there are promising breakthroughs on the horizon in the fight against diabetes. Among the most notable developments is a groundbreaking oral treatment designed to address diabetes in a completely new way. This potential first-in-class drug targets two distinct pathways in the body, effectively inhibiting the molecules responsible for glucose transport in and out of cells—work that occurs independently of insulin.
Researchers are exploring a revolutionary slow-dissolving molecule that could keep insulin in the body for more than two weeks. Imagine a future where daily injections are no longer necessary!
Even more remarkable is the ongoing research into an enzyme treatment that might potentially reverse diabetes itself. In preclinical trials, about 40 percent of participants remained in remission for three months after stopping their diabetes medication. Although it is still early in the research, the future of diabetes treatment looks incredibly promising.
With these innovative therapies making significant progress, we are closer than ever to finding a true cure for diabetes. In the meantime, effective management of diabetes is crucial. Regularly monitoring blood sugar levels, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active through exercise, and being mindful of your diet are essential steps on this journey.
When it comes to managing my pre-diabetes, I’ve discovered some powerful strategies that really work for me. Here’s what I’ve found helpful:
Healthy Snacking is Key: I always keep nutritious snacks on hand—things like hard-boiled eggs, an assortment of veggies (think baby carrots, crunchy cucumber, and crisp celery sticks) paired with hummus, or a scoop of low-fat cottage cheese topped with berries. These snacks not only satisfy my hunger but also curb those pesky cravings throughout the day.
Prepping Before Social Events: Before heading to a social gathering where the food options might be limited, I make sure to have a healthy bite. This way, I’m less tempted to indulge in less wholesome choices.
Build Your Support System: I surround myself with family, friends, and cheerleaders who support my healthy lifestyle. Having a solid support network is invaluable—it makes the journey so much easier and more enjoyable.
Fun with Fitness: Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore! I love going on long walks in nature with my husband and diving into fun fitness training sessions with my coach. Finding activities I enjoy has made staying active a blast!
Be Kind to Yourself: Remember, it’s okay to stumble sometimes. We’re all human! If you have a day or a week that doesn’t go as planned, don’t dwell on it. Tomorrow is always a fresh start and another chance to make healthy choices.
Embracing these strategies has made a world of difference for me, and I hope they inspire you, too!
Citations
Combating Type 2 Diabetes. (2017, Nov 13). Retrieved from https://innovation.org/diseases/autoimmune/type2-diabetes/combating-type2-diabetes
Life Is Like That! 