Blog Seventeen - Bigger Day with Smaller Numbers

Okay, if you've been reading you'll already know that I don't really try to track numbers. Don't want to make myself neurotic with things that don't always go where you want them to go. That being said, had my quarterly diabetic check up today and the news is super all the way down the board. The important thing to note with this check up is the A1C test. So that you have some understanding I'll quote another website:

the guidelines state that people without diabetes will normally have a reading around 5 percent. People with pre-diabetes will have a reading between 5.7 and 6.4 percent. Lastly, a reading of 6.5 percent or higher will be diagnosed as having diabetes.

Now that you've been educated on this, to some extent, I'm going to provide some numbers so that we can all review my progress.

6 Mnths Ago -   321 lbs,   183/102 bp,    11.8 A1C
3 Mnths Ago -   303 lbs,   127/  82 bp,      7.9 A1C
Today            -   290 lbs,   116/  63 bp,      6.5 A1C

Officially I have been reclassified from "uncontrolled" diabetic to "controlled" diabetic.

Under physician's orders I can now stop with the blood pressure medication (though they want a few check ups over the next month or so) and if I can keep up the good work managing my diabetes and weight loss: I can do away with the glucophage as well. Then I'll be back to a zero medication life.

One must have goals!

Blog Sixteen - New(er) Goals

Been a very very busy month since my last posting. The biggest bit was our vacation to Philly that turned into a Funeral at Philly. Don't waste your time sympathizing though; Uncle Butch would not much care for it. He lived his life his way. Wasn't always good to look at, downright scary at times, but he did live with distinction, honor, and a rough form of love that could only be summed up, "That's Butch!"

Today I worked out on the elliptical for one whole hour. Traveled a distance of 4.5 miles and burned off about 825 calories. I will strive to do this level of activity daily though strength training may suffer from such focus.

Also, currently right now I've had to opt out of strength training. It is only for the time being but I need some medical guidance on some long term difficulties. The tennis elbow I've got, now in both arms, has gotten aggravated to the point that I sometimes lose feeling in parts of my hands. Also my old shoulder injuries are painfully flaring up. Time for some cortisone shots - Orally I hear that it can effect my diabetes.

Hmmmm, apparently I've digressed a bit, still high from the workout. The point is that my new(er) goal is to have a 1200 calorie burn workout daily. This should bring my health (and weight) into proper line. Once I'm down to 230 - 240 lbs I'll switch to a maintenance level of workout. Maybe 800 calories per day.

We'll see... ...