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Did Diabetes save my life?

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This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
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Silkman_Bob

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
OK maybe a daft question but everyone?s experience with Diabetes is different and in some cases (definitely mine), I think that there is a case for saying that Diabetes helped to save my life.

Two years ago I was 24 stone, a serious couch potato, regular drinker and would have classed sleeping as one of my favourite past times. In short, I was a heart attack / stroke waiting to happen and was in many ways existing rather than living.

Then Diabetes came along. Initially it knocked me for 6 and it took me a good few months (probably about 9 if I am honest) for it to sink in. I experienced guilt, denial and fear all at the same time, all of which pretty much paralysed me as much as my previous lifestyle had.

At the start of this year I made myself a promise not only to fight back but also to change pretty much everything about me for the better. I started eating proper meals, got out of the house more and after a month or so joined the gym.

Joining the gym was probably the most important thing I have ever done, not only for the obvious health benefits but also because it made me meet people, socialise in different settings and of course raise my confidence levels pretty much every day.

Now Im just over 16 stone, a whole new wardrobe, loads of friends and a life worthy of the word. Ill let you know my HbA1c in a couple of weeks but to start with it was 13 ? if it isn?t below 7 this time I will be mightily annoyed!

So, I guess what I am trying to say is although Diabetes is a horrible disease and the implications of which cannot be underestimated ? I cant help but think that in many ways it helped save my life. Hopefully this will help just one person reading who is in a similar position and give them the hope to never give up. 🙂
 
Have to agree with you Bob, it is a kick I didn't want but definitely one I needed. Like you it has made me make changes that were desperately needed and consequently I am healhtier in every way.

Do i wish I didn't get the diagnosis? Yes of course I do. But is there a sunny side to it? Absolutely!
 
What a lovely positive post! I think all newly diagnosed Type 2's should read that so that they know it's not necessarily a life sentence they've been given. I'm so glad you took the wake up call and turned your life around in such a short space of time. I'm sure what you say is true, diabetes, but more precisely the way you have responded to it has indeed saved your life. More than that it's given you a whole new life! Well done that man! I'm pretty confident you'll get the results you deserve and can't wait for your announcement. XXXXXX
 
Bob - a huge pat on the back for you - that is terrific and a lovely story to read.

I totally agree with you re the gym - I now have 2 PT sessions a week as well as popping in on a daily basis in addition to my tennis and running. I too was very overweight, have lost 4 stone so far, and have a way to go yet.

I hope your story encourages anyone who thinks they are too big that they can't go to the gym to have a rethink. It is the start of a new life and new friends.

No one will laugh or stare - everyone is actually too busy doing their own workout. It doesn't matter what you wear either as no one will be interested.
You will find people will be quite happy to set your equipment up for you too if like me you are on the short side!

Don't keep thinking tomorrow - do it today, as Bob has shown it doesn't take long until you see a difference. 🙂
 
Bob a lovely post and a huge well done to you,I dont know if you remember but I remember when you first joined and you were in quite a panic, we pmmed ona few occasions so I feel really chuffed for you.
I too use diabetes as a kick up the backside that I needed,unfortunetly some people ignore there diabetes and thats no ones fault its just how some people cope,but I for one woke up reavaluated my lifestyle and set about changing preety much straight away.I wished I had never got diagnosed of course but as I said in another thread quite some time ago diabetes is my best friend now i carry it around everywhere I go it tryes to trip me up at times but I know im strong enough to battle anything this condition throws at me.If i had chosen to wear it around my neck letting it drag me down then it would of took hold of me and i promised myself diabetes would never rule me I would rule it.
 
I agree - would never wish it on anyone but once diagnosed, kick up the backside and start looking after yourself.

Lovely positive post and you are doing so well.
 
Congrats Bob you've done a fantastic job 🙂

Do you get up in the forest much? Lovely time of year for walking up there & the benefits health wise are huge. Can't beat the fresh air imo & a great area to get out and about in.

All the best take care & give Macc my regards, well some of it 😉



Sarah (ex Alderley Edge lass)
 
I love to read posts like this 🙂 Well said Bob! It's not always possible to do as you have done (some people have other complex problems to deal with), but for many it most certainly is so we need to spread the word! All the government campaigns are trying to give people at risk before they develop it, but unfortunately the only way to really motivate people is to give them that kick. Good for you in turning things around and being much healthier and happier because of it! 🙂
 
Your post made me feel better just reading it. Something serious/major/important is often the kick, push shove or nudge we need to change our lifestyles.

You have worked hard and xchieved some amazing results, which will be encouragement to those who are struggling, so thank you for sharing with us.
 
Silkman_Bob said:
OK maybe a daft question but everyone?s experience with Diabetes is different and in some cases (definitely mine), I think that there is a case for saying that Diabetes helped to save my life.

🙂
Click to expand...

YOU saved your own life Bob.

Have you read Maggie Davey's "Open Letter to a newly dxed T2" in our Sticky section of the Newbies area ?
Maggie says something like, "first the bad news - you've got diabetes, now the good news - you've got diabetes".
How many heed the wake up call ?
 
Thank you everyone - just hope that someone somewhere reads it who is in a situation like I was and can take some heart from it 🙂
 
Silkman_Bob said:
OK maybe a daft question but everyone?s experience with Diabetes is different and in some cases (definitely mine), I think that there is a case for saying that Diabetes helped to save my life.

Two years ago I was 24 stone, a serious couch potato, regular drinker and would have classed sleeping as one of my favourite past times. In short, I was a heart attack / stroke waiting to happen and was in many ways existing rather than living.

Then Diabetes came along. Initially it knocked me for 6 and it took me a good few months (probably about 9 if I am honest) for it to sink in. I experienced guilt, denial and fear all at the same time, all of which pretty much paralysed me as much as my previous lifestyle had.

At the start of this year I made myself a promise not only to fight back but also to change pretty much everything about me for the better. I started eating proper meals, got out of the house more and after a month or so joined the gym.

Joining the gym was probably the most important thing I have ever done, not only for the obvious health benefits but also because it made me meet people, socialise in different settings and of course raise my confidence levels pretty much every day.

Now Im just over 16 stone, a whole new wardrobe, loads of friends and a life worthy of the word. Ill let you know my HbA1c in a couple of weeks but to start with it was 13 ? if it isn?t below 7 this time I will be mightily annoyed!

So, I guess what I am trying to say is although Diabetes is a horrible disease and the implications of which cannot be underestimated ? I cant help but think that in many ways it helped save my life. Hopefully this will help just one person reading who is in a similar position and give them the hope to never give up. 🙂
Click to expand...

Inspirational Bob................let the good times roll.......................:D
 
Congratulations! You should be very proud of yourself. I am also trying to live the best life I can and am eating properly and exercising for the first time for about four years. I haven't gone down the gym route but am walking about an hour a day and feeling well on it. Keep telling us how well you are doing.
 
What a lovely post - I was really moved by it. Congratulations on your achievement and good luck with your HbA1c result!
 
Well done Bob 🙂

What a great post.
 
Nice one Bob, I shall re-read your post whenever I feel a bit fed up with it all! Right now, I wholeheartedly agree with your sentiment and feel very similar, 3 months post diagnosis and 2 stone down I feel better than ever and am taking health more seriously than ever before.

I intend to be healthier *with* diabetes than without it - it's a kick up the jacksy alright and the early days are fraught with emotions (mainly 'why me?') but once you reach the acceptance you can deal with it!

I have a newly diagnosed friend who I have pointed in this direction to read your post as it displays the light at the end of the tunnel so eloquently.

Well done, keep on keeping on 🙂
 
you are spot on Bob.
 
Thank you

I was only diagnosed with type 2 today but your post has made me realise that we control diabetis not diabetis control us. Thank you.
 
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