A Small Way I Tamed My Type 2 Diabetes In 90 Days

Don’t sweat the small stuff…more can happen

Sugared blood dances In a heavy, forlorn cell — Joyful news abounds

“Erica! You crushed it! You went from 13.5%A1c to 6.6%!”

My doctor hands me my medical records and I look at the words written across the top that says, “Excellent work!”

As we went home, I began to reflect: How the heck did I lower my blood sugars? I’m no medical expert, and I am new to this whole having diabetes thing. As with anything in life, what works for one person may not work for the other.

So what did I do?

I quickly grabbed a book

When it concerns my health, the best consultant is usually a no-nonsense book, along with my own doctor.

The book I consulted to get more in-depth knowledge about diabetes is Julie Cunningham’s 30 Days to Tame Type 2 Diabetes: A step-by-step daily guide to managing blood sugars with diet and exercise.

Here is where I learned the bare bones facts about what A1c means (a simple way to measure blood sugars over a three-month period), glycated, glucometers and more. Julie even goes in depth about proper meals, and each day there is a fitness tip included.

I brought my sugars down “atomically”

Ever hear of James Clear’s book Atomic Habits?

In a nutshell it is about “stacking” good habits in bite sized attainable pieces until you achieve your goals. The book deserves another read because it is full of scientific data and case studies to prove his point.

That is how I brought my glycated hemoglobin sugars down — I think.

At first I thought BIG. I tried to cut out every single food I ever loved, work out six days a week, and check my blood sugars three or four times a day.

That did not last very long.

It caused stress.

Stress is directly related to elevated blood sugars and blood pressure, so I was being counterproductive here.

Instead I joined a support group online called Bezzy T2D for Type 2 Diabetics, and from there I learned what I can and cannot eat; what to be concerned about and what not. It’s a lively, lovely crew on there.

I decided to make two small changes and stick with them: Exercise + Increase fiber intake.

I did not want to count carbs all day long, or think of meal prep at this time. I just needed to exercise because that boosts insulin production naturally. Then I made sure to include more fibrous products like potatoes with the skin on, oats, beans, and granola with my meals.

Do I still eat sugar?

Yes!

From time to time, I will eat ice cream but it is the small ice cream sandwiches by Fat Boy Juniors, and they have at least 10g of sugar, but I don’t eat them often. I prefer my favorite, healthier snack of string cheese and almonds now.

Do I still eat at restaurants and fast-food places?

Yes!

But….

Fast food is DANGEROUS for anybody — especially diabetics.

Let me repeat that: Fast food places are dangerous for anyone’s overall health. If you see how much sodium and carbs go into these “fast foods”, you’ll wonder why it would be any different than asking someone to shoot us with slow bullets.

The trick is to avoid fast food at all costs, but if you must go, just change it up a little. For example, I love the Royal Crispy Chicken sandwich from Burger King, but when I get home, I remove the bun and place the chicken into a carb smart wrap from my own pantry. This way, I cut back on a tremendous amount of carbs.

When my husband and I go out to eat, I ask for water or unsweetened tea as my drink, and I am learning to avoid desserts. Last time I had a cheesecake after a crab sandwich meal and my sugars spiked!

Next time, I’ll get a tiny piece or none at all.

Now, for the next level of banishing Type 2 Diabetes…

Meditation.

I have not meditated in a while — it has been at least two years now, but I do remember the feeling of calm and the many dazzling insights I had while meditating.

There are websites available now dedicated to helping diabetics cope with diabetes and manage their blood sugars through meditating. I personally love the Soothing Pod app which is FREE, and it offer nature sounds, music, bedtime stories, and guided meditations. So far, I use soothing noises as I write my haiku.

Why is all of this important to a diabetic?

It’s a great way to lower your blood pressure, and lower blood pressure= lower blood sugars.

This would be a great time to invest in a blood pressure machine with the cuff and to make sure you keep fresh batteries in your glucometer. I test my own blood pressure and and blood sugars at home, just to be sure I am on the right track. Your pharmacy may have off brand blood pressure machines that will not break bank.

Peace and calm is great medicine, so is laughter! I notice how I am very calm after watching a funny video online or listening to a comedian. It’s good, natural medicine.

Now, will I aspire to do better and get even better A1c on my next doctor visit?

Absolutely!

One small habit at a time.

Key points to remember:

• Don’t get ALL of your info online. Please try Julian Cunningham’s book for Type 2 Diabetics. It is awesome!
• Don’t start giving up everything so fast, and please DON’T PANIC! I panicked and it didn’t work. Choose at least two things you can realistically change now.
• Everything should be done in balance. Read Kaki Okumura’s Medium on this. She even has a book out now too!
• Finally, change looks different for everyone. I needed to work out more and increase fiber intake. Easy peasy. What do you think you should do for your health?

Until next time, thank you for reading, sharing, tipping, and enjoying!

P.S. There may be affiliate link(s) in this article — meaning if you decide to make a purchase, I may receive a tiny fee for it. Thank you!