Reaching A Healthy A1C Without Meds

Recently, I had some lab work (just routine lab work) and thought why not get my A1CC checked. I don’t know if I ever had it checked before. Even when I was pre-diabetic, if my doctor checked my A1C at the time, I don’t think I ever knew my number. So I thought this would be interesting.

Diabetes runs in my family, especially on my mom's side, but it is on my dad's side too. Many of you know I helped my mom reverse her diabetes to where she's no longer considered diabetic and not on any meds. Other family members have not been so fortunate and their diabetes just gets worse.

I never wanted to get diabetes. Knowing all the family members that had it, it is one of the reasons I avoided going to the doctor. When I was morbidly obese, I had the neuropathy and associated side effects of diabetes. It scared me but yet I never made any significant changes at the time. I kept eating the high fat diet with tons of processed foods, not realizing the damage I was doing.

I am so grateful that I discovered people like Dr. Joel Fuhrman back in 2012. After my physical in January of that year, it was Fuhrman’s message that I needed to hear to get my health back. Besides Dr. Fuhrman, all of the plant based doctors have played a role, from Dr. Greger's NutritionFacts videos to Dr. T. Colin Campbell’s lectures to Dr. Ornish and so many more, there was no turning back.

After I lost the majority of the 150 pound weight loss that first year, the mission became about having the best health possible. All of my weight loss attempts failed until it became about health. I feel better now than when I was in my 30s during that first physical. I am able to workout several days a week and have an athletic heart rate typically in the 40s. None of this would have been possible had I not changed my lifestyle.

So back to my discussion on my A1C. Not knowing what it was, and often hearing from family and friends what their numbers were, I finally found out. I am 4.8, which I am so happy with. Do you know what a relief it is to know that the number is in a healthy range? It shows that this lifestyle works. Some people may feel being whole food plant based is too extreme. Well, I would rather this kind of extreme than having to constantly worry about my blood sugar, heart problems, liver problems, etc.

My hope is when I am done with the nutrional coaching course I am taking through Dr. Fuhrman’s website, I will be able to help others transiftion to this lifestyle, so they too can possibly avoid or get off their medications and thrive.