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• July 12, 2009 5:44 p.m.

  Being diagnosed with Type II at age 32 was not something I expected, even with family history and being overweight. I used the diagnoses to learn as much as I could about the disease, changed the way I eat, and began exercising. In May I completed my first half-marathon and I am doing a full marathon in November. I also ride my bike. I exercise 5-7 days a week. My A1C is down from over 10 to 5.8 in 9 months since diagnosis. Still have room for improvement, but feeling so much better than I have in a long time.

  - Rose

• June 4, 2009 11:23 a.m.

  Thank you Lorna F. for sharing! Can you share with us how you went about starting a diabetes support group in your area?

  - Nancy and Peggy

• June 4, 2009 4:26 a.m.

  My mom is 57, diagnosed with diabetes 9 years ago. She seems to have the "dawn phenomenon" and fasting readings (early morning) are still about 8-10 mmol/dL, though rather lower than 9 years ago. But it seems to stop there, can't get down to 4-6. She loves eating, which I think is the major barrier in good diabetic control. I try to help her control her meals and encourage a better lifestyle, but she can be pessimistic and usually talks me down. Here in Malaysia, diabetic patients generally don't actually get to see an endocrinologist, unless referred or is a really bad diabetic case. What can I do to help my mom more? I'm staying in another town for studies, my parents live alone, and I go home a few days each month. Thanks

  - Chris

• June 1, 2009 1:13 p.m.

  Re my previous post. Saw a typo too late!! Diabetes is NOT something we'd wish on anyone!! Need that one to be clear!

  - Lorna F

• June 1, 2009 1:10 p.m.

  My husband has been diabetic for 13 yrs. and is on insulin which works for him way better than any of the pills the endo. tried. We've not only faced it head-on we now run 2 support groups for diabetics or anyone who wants to learn more about diabetes. We both live healthier, happier lives and our kids, grown and on their own now, also live healthy knowing that by having an active lifestyle and making proper food choices with proper portions can prevent their developing diabetes. Diabetes for us has been a blessing to us as we've met amazing people, heard their stories and have been able to help others throught our groups and volunteering. It's now something I'd wish on anybody but for us it has made us more aware of how we live our lives and there are people in far worse situations than we are. We've also learned to be pro-active and not just accept a simple dr. answer. We now enter with questions and push to get the information we need.

  - Lorna F.

• May 23, 2009 11:46 a.m.

  Learning I had diabetes was definitely a wake up call for me! I was 80 pounds overweight and extremely sedentary. Fortunately for me my DM2 was caught in the very, very early stages. Right now I am controlling it with diet and exercise. In five weeks I have lost ten pounds and already feel better.

  - Sylvia Sivley

• May 7, 2009 9:09 a.m.

  Way to go, Scotty!

  - Nancy and Peggy

• April 29, 2009 10:16 a.m.

  I was diagnosed with type II diabetes with an AIC of 13.8 and a glucose count of 585 at age 51. I originally weighed 204 lbs, am 5-8 and after eating 3/4 times daily gained an additional 20 lbs, maxing at 224. Two years later I've lost 30lbs, with a goal of 20 more, exercise 7 days a week(4 elliptical, 3 weights), count every single thing I eat, stopped drinking alcohol, have a 5.1 AIC and feel fantastic. I've also went from using the meter 3/4 times a day to just mornings. I've got super energy and positive feelings, look 10 years younger and am enjoying life again after missing a few. My Dr., a primary physican is astounded. I'm personally amazed more people don't take charge. I expect to lead a relatively normal life, always keeping in mind proper habits and behavior.

  - Scotty

• April 29, 2009 9:23 a.m.

  Make sure you go to a doctor that is a specialist in diabetes -- an endocrinologist. My primary physician treated me for years on meds that didn't work, didn't have me see a dietitician because she didn't believe in them but did order lab tests. When my A1C was high she finally sent me to an endocrinologist who changed my meds and had me see a dietitician. I refused gastric bypass and made changes with diet and exercise. I am handicapped with arthritis so can only walk a very short distance but found other ways to exercise. Make sure you have a good doctor.

  - Ferne

• April 29, 2009 8:27 a.m.

  I found in February that I have diabetes. I consider it a chance for a new life. I weighed 299 pounds and am 5 foot 6 inches. Have already lost 20 pounds since that time. The first four pounds my doctor attributed to my changing my eating habits. The first thing I done was to stop drinking regular sodas and sweet tea. My CDE estimated I lost 600 calories a day by switching to diet sodas, Crystal Light, and making tea without sugar. I feel better and have more energy now.

  - Pam

• April 28, 2009 7:22 p.m.

  It was really a wake-up call, in the best way. I decided to do what I had to do. My doctor suggested a diet of protein, vegetables and fruit a small amount of grains. I used my glucometer to find what raised my blood sugar and stayed away from foods that did. In a few months, I didn’t need my oral diabetes medicine. My doctor suggested some supplements that might help. Now, several years later, my fasting bs is 80’s and 90’s. I exercise four days a week, both resistance and cardio. Neuropathy reversed. I’ve lost 50 pounds. I am 58 years old and I don’t consider the diabetes a handicap.

  - Carol