Margaret Finally Lowers Fasting Blood Sugar Levels

Meet Margaret – a recent participant of the 21 Day Lower Blood Sugar Challenge and now a VIP Member.

Tell us a bit about yourself and lifestyle.

Diabetes has always been a part of my life. My mother was a type 1 diabetic – diagnosed at a young age of about 8. She died at age 65. I grew up very much aware of how diabetes has an effect on your life.

I initially was diagnosed at age 17 as being of high risk for type 2 diabetes. I was a gestational diabetic with my 2 children at age 25 and 27. I was diagnosed at age 40 with type 2. Today I am 68 years old.

I am a wife, mother of 2, grandmother of 9. I retired at age 53 due to a meningioma brain tumor that involved my brain stem. After much rehab I became interested in raising day lilies on our 2 acre piece of land. It was somewhat successful until the deer found our land. My husband and I enjoy working in our gardens, rescuing cats and dogs, and enjoy the deer, turkeys and birds in our yard. I am a reader, a gardener, and a grandmother!

I have always been aware of the long term effects of diabetes, which is why I walk every morning, But, I have been struggling with ‘morning highs’ for many years.

You recently participated in the 21 Day Lower Blood Sugar Challenge, what made you decide to join?

I have struggled with morning highs, forever. And sometimes I would also have crazy lows. My doctor did not seem all that concerned.

When my eye doctor told me last March that 6.7 A1C was too high, I began to look to see how I could lower my A1C. I decided I had to have someone keep me on track. I came across the challenge while doing my internet searches.

I’m glad I did. After just a few weeks I began to see my numbers change. They were suddenly no longer spiking high and low.

What kind of diet were you eating before joining?

I LOVE bread and pasta. They were part of my diet.

What things have you changed during and after the challenge?

I no longer eat breads, pasta or sweets.

I needed the daily check ins to keep me in line!

I had always been told to eat carbs – at least 70 per meal! But the challenge taught me this was wrong and now I am more aware of the need to eat less carbs to get results.

Now that I have cut back I feel better. I even have my husband eating vegetables!

What elements of the 21 day challenge did you benefit from the most?

The daily check ins were very helpful. I felt I had to ‘report in good or bad’. I knew I was still high, but for me I was seeing low numbers for me!

What were your results from focusing more for 21 days? 

The challenge has helped me move from an A1c of 6.7 (my result in April) to 6.4 this month.

I lost about 6 pounds (2.7 kg) in the 21 days.

I spent some time reviewing my numbers and in October I had morning readings as high as 199 (11.1) and my average was in the 160s (8.9). This past 21 days saw more in the 120-140 range (7.2-7.8). 

I remain focused and continue to follow the diet.

You’ve now joined us as a VIP member, what goals are you working towards now?

I am hoping to lose an additional 5 pounds. My husband is facing serious surgery between now and early January. As a member I feel that this will help me stay the course.

What would be your best advice to people wanting to make changes in their lives?

I learned so much during the challenge and like many taking part, saw good as well as some frustrating numbers along the way.

But my advice is, it can be done!

Thank you to all who shared stories and gave the rest of us encouragement. A very special thank you to Jedha & Emily for guidance.

I have become a DMP member and am looking forward to more meal ideas. I am happy to share that my husband (who is famous for not trying anything new especially if vegetables are involved) enjoyed the Southwestern Pork Chili.

This challenge has challenged me to continue toward the goal of losing 5 more pounds and to have numbers closer to the 110 range.

Thank you all.

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Thank you Margaret for sharing your experiences. And it’s so great to have you as one of our members so we can continue to check in on your progress. :)

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Please leave your comments below to show your encouragement and support for Margaret.

Thanks!