Mastering Diabetes: Month 1

Wow.

That pretty much sums up my response to one month on the whole food, plant based diet advocated in “Mastering Diabetes”.

In 30 days, I lost 10 pounds. On my previous low carb diet, my weight did not budge - despite the fact I was walking/running a 5k a day, plus regularly doing yoga, Tai Chi, and toning exercises. I’m wearing the same size pants and shorts as I did in high school.

I’m also taking Amla Green, which they recommend. It is proven to help with cholesterol. I gave blood during this first month - my last total cholesterol (I am on a statin) was 195. It is now 135 - the lowest I have ever seen it. Ever.

My insulin use is already down 30%. Gone are the days of roller coaster blood sugar. My blood sugar is much more stable. Three months ago my blood sugar was in range only 56% of the time - now it’s in range 71% of the time. And climbing!

Prior to this lifestyle change, my blood sugar has always climbed at night, often to over 200. Now, my blood sugar is just above normal when I go to bed. My fasting blood sugar is normal when I wake up - I mean normal as in normal for any human being!

Running is easier. Stiffness has lessened. Aches and joint pain have improved vastly. While I’m still tired, the crushing exhausting has left.

On my low carb diet, my food choices were few and limited. I felt I was eating the same thing over and over.

Now, I’m eating as much as I want of fruits, vegetables, and legumes. I am sticking to mostly fresh produce right now, as it is abundantly available. I find myself having to eat more throughout the day - unprecedented! I love fruit and I’m eating a ton of it. I was previously eating 40-60 carbs a day. Now, I’m eating 300 or more carbs a day.

I have an appointment with my endocrinologist in August, and I can’t wait to see what my lab work looks like.

It is difficult to eat out - but not impossible. I just have to choose restaurants wisely, and be prepared.

I’m thrilled, and I’m just one month in. I can’t wait to watch my own progress!