It started back in May. For a few weeks symptoms began to appear. I was thirsty all the time (even after 4L of water a day). I had to urinate every 30 mins or so, even waking up several times a night to go to the bathroom. I felt more tired than usual and lacking energy all the time. Finally, I began to get tingling sensations in my left hand - pins and needles that would come and go throughout the day.
I knew something was wrong. At the same time, I have been working long hours (60-70 hours a week for more than a year, often including weekends as well). I figured maybe it was just stress... By the time I went to get a blood test and speak to a doctor I had already done a detailed check on the symptoms, cross checking against a few sources. The most likely culprit? Type 2 diabetes.
After my blood test on May 31 it was crystal clear. The doctor told me point blank I had severe type 2 diabetes and he wanted to hospitalize me for a few weeks to reduce my blood sugar. I said no due to work commitments and the need to discuss with my wife first. My numbers were pretty bad, especially compared to 2019. In particular, high cholesterol, high LDL-C, high neutral fat. My blood glucose was at a shocking 328, over 3 times high range of normal and 2.5 times what it was in 2019. The all-important A1c marker was 11.9, nearly twice the high end of the normal range. It was a modest 5.9 two years ago.
I was prescribed Jardiance (1/daily) and began to take Omega 3 supplements and multivitamins too. In addition I switched to a strict ketogenic diet in line with Guro Fred Evrard's book on ketogenic diet for health. In short, I gave up rice, potatoes, pasta and white bread, instead substituting salads or just tomatoes with olive oil/balsamico. I also switched to black coffee (no sugar, no milk) and started drinking only unsweetened teas (black, Japanese green, barley) and water. No alcohol. I tried to sleep at least 7 hours per night and tried (mostly unsuccessfully) to limit my overtime work. On off days, I have been sure to walk at least 10,000 steps per day and continued to hold Kali class 2/week as per usual. I began to do IF as well, skipping breakfast and waiting to have lunch as my first meal of the day instead.
I began to see results almost immediately. In month one I lost 7kg and began to look slimmer in and around my face as well as my waist, suddenly able to wear clothes I had kept hidden in my closest for the past 2 years. In truth, these visual changes were the main motivator for me to keep going since my blood tests were only 1/month.
I had my second blood test last week, two months after the initial diagnosis. I'm happy to report that almost all markers are returned to normal or very close to it. My blood glucose dropped a whopping 66% and now is at 111 down from 328, even lower than it was 2 years ago. My A1c has also moved down to 7.4 and still has to reduce further but the trend is encouraging. Next blood test is in a month and I am hopeful my T2D will be in remission or close to it by then. I am no fan of labels, but Type 2 Diabetes has a mountain of info and sources of guidance to draw from. It’s far more common than I had previously thought (about 463 million people worldwide, with more than 116 million in China alone). More than 9.3% of the global population are thought to have type 2 diabetes.
My wife, as always, has been my rock of strength. She relentlessly seeks out healthy things for me to eat and makes amazing meals that are even more delicious than I used to eat before my diagnosis. Shirataki noodles have been wonderful and her Pad Thai and Pho using them are better than the restaurant versions we would get. She prepares amazing Greek salads, Cobb salads and others that make me excited for lunch and dinner. I never feel like I'm missing out.
In the end, this wake up call has been a positive experience. It provided me a much-needed incentive to re-focus and prioritize on my health - NO EXCUSES. It gave others a reason to support me and join my victory march and I have had to change my lifestyle to become a healthier, happier version of myself. It's also provided real results that I had historically never gotten from the gym or fad diets, providing me a sustainable lifestyle choice that I can follow without suffering or feeling hungry all the time.
I still have a long way to go, but I'm excited about the progress so far. I'm proud of those around me who gave me inspiration and grateful for the people who love me and want me to live longer. Among them, my wife Sanae stands tallest with her tireless efforts to keep me on track and happy. She's simply the best.
Lastly, special thanks to Guro Fred and Guro Lila, who are great role models for healthy and happy living. I am sorry it took me so long to put your good advice into my daily practice.
Further updates to come. Until then, Stay Healthy!
