Any diabetics using the FB?

[llchevy56]

Wondering if there are any diabetics out there who are using the FB and working towards weight loss?  I'm insulin dependent and trying to lose weight but more importantly trying to regain my health and physical strength while balancing everything.  A challenge a day! Love to hear your stories....

[Havenocents]

I was diagnosed with type 2 in March of 2008.  My A1c averaged 7.5 for two years.  Then my wife bought me a nike fuel band, and it motivated me to start exercising on the treadmill.  I switched over to the elliptical, but since the fuelband was on my wrist I got very little credit for my work, and to say the least very discouraged.  

My wife then purchased a fitbit one in December 2013.  This re-motiviated me because it was able to record most of my steps.  My A1c is now 5.7 and dropping.  I'm also on half of my diabetes medication, and totally off my blood pressure medication.  Between the fuelband and fitbit I have lost 40 lbs, and down to a 19.4 body fat(on scale), but still 25.3 on BMI.  My goal is to get off of medication completely, and a 24.9 BMI. I don't know whether getting off medication is possible, but some doctors say that it is.

Thank you Fitbit!!!

[LakesView]

Havenocents:

Your testimony is inspirational and gives me hope.  I have had my FB for one day and am really enthusiastic about all the things it can do and what I can track.  I would also like to get off my insulin and hope it can be done.  I controlled my diabetes with diet for a while, but I've never been consistent with my exercise and am convinced that activity is the key (along with healthy diet). I am a vegetarian (mostly) and that has helped, too. 

Thanks for your post.  Keep up the good work. GL

[LewWagner]

I've lost over 97 pounds in around 8 1/2 months (from 300 to 202.5). My goal is 170 lbs (age 58 and 5'9").  I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes back in late Oct 2013.  Taking two medications to keep glucose levels normal.

Because of my strict dietary and exercise routine, my doctor has told me that I'll probably be one of the few patients he has had that can go off the meds completely. 

Lew Wagner

[LakesView]

Lew:

That is terrific news!  Congratulations!  I would also really like to get off the insulin, but I lost the majority of my weight a long time ago and have kept it (70 lbs) off.  That helped my diabetes stay under control for a few years.  Recently though, my A1C tests were getting worse so it was time for the insulin.  I was never able to take the oral meds due to the horrible side effects I had.  

I have never been great at exercising and I guess that's where I need to step up my game for many reasons. I hope to join you in getting off insulin.  Keep up the good work.  You are awesome and my new inspiration!

GL

[hedge]

I was type II diabetic... my A1C was 7.1 on Metformin.... Iam on nothing but exercise and better food A1C is 5.1 with no meds whatsoever.... I am no longer Diabetic.... about 12-14000 steps a day with about 60 very active minutes Swimming -Tabata- weights.... I feel better ......... IT CAN WORK!

[hedge]

I forgot age and weight... I lost about 36 lbs so far from 224 to 188 I'm 5-10 almost 70 years old

But I am in better shape than at 50 My Fit Bit has really helped... the feed back is wonderful..

If I happen to be at say 9200 steps a dinner I just go for a walk around the block before sitting down... Before I would sit down to the TV

[Sugarfreeshawn]

Yes indeed, I am also type one and on an insulin pump.  Trying to lose 40 lbs.....

[AliciaM001]

I was diagnosed almost 4 years ago as a Type 2 diabetic, and have had a hard time controlling my BS. They tend to run highest in the morning when I get up, and then w/ my meds, start to drop a little. I just started using the Flex less than a week ago, and my BS have dropped significantly! I am below 150, and most of the time below 120. My last 2 morning BS were under 115, which is excellent! I have already cut in half my morning dose of medication. I am trying to walk 30' daily, and am on a low carb diet, which is helping me stop the spikes in BS that I typically get.

What I like most about fitbit is that by logging all my food, I can see what I'm eating and the nutritional values of each item, especially how many carbs etc that I am consuming. It helps keep me accountable. I've lost 9 lbs so far, most of which I think is water weight, as my puffy feet, ankles, and face are greatly diminished. I'm also tracking my water intake and realize that I wasn't drinking even half the recommended amount. I have a lot of weight to lose, but seeing my dashboard, the weight loss, and lower BS is tremendously motivating.

Best of luck to everyone on their journey toward improved health and wellness.

AliciaM

[AliciaM001]

Hi DKK,

I took a series of diabetes education classes at my local hospital after I was diagnosed as a Type 2 (A1C 13.9) almost 4 years ago. My Dr had recommended it so I scheduled it about a month after I was Dx'd. I found the classes to be very helpful, informative, and the support of the staff and my fellow classmates was wonderful. I highly recommend taking the classes. We also have a monthly support group, which I confess I don't always make because of work schedule and laziness. 🙂

I've just started using a Fitbit Flex, and in 5 days have seen a significant drop in my BS, and have also lost weight. I think Fitbit is an excellent way for diabetics to track our BS, weight, food intake, and exercise.

Best of luck to you!

AliciaM

[winker_bean]

Hi Everyone,

I am t2 diabetic. New to Fitbit....hope this helps keep everything tracked and toward my goal of weight loss and to get off of metforman....

Winnie 🙂

[LewWagner]

We just moved to Birmingham, AL and I had my first visit with our new family doctor.  Blood results came in and everything is fine.  Doctor says my AIC is 5.7 which is fine for somebody how had Type II Diabetes.

She has just taken me off Glipizide and I'm maintaining my glucose levels within the prescribed 90-110 levels.  As I get to 180 lbs, she will then look at lowering my Metaformin dosage (currently two horse pills 500 mgs). She has firmly stated that I'll probably be off of all such medicine and can be declared diabetes free a couple months after that (when I reach my target weight of 160-170 (from 300 in Nov 2013).

I guess there is light at the end of the tunnel.  Just wish I'd never gone into this tunnel in the first place...

[Lightsinger]

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@nninllchevy56 wrote:

Wondering if there are any diabetics out there who are using the FB and working towards weight loss?  I'm insulin dependent and trying to lose weight but more importantly trying to regain my health and physical strength while balancing everything.  A challenge a day! Love to hear your stories....

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I'm a Type 2 diabetic of 14 years.  I started at 200 pounds -- I'm 5'3" so that was obese, but have lost 70 pounds over the years.  Lost the first 40 pretty quickly (six months) but it took a while longer to get the other 30 off (two years).  I got my Fitbit for Christmas and I use it religiously to track no only my exercise, but my diet -- calories, carb intake, etc. -- and it has helped me fine tune my regimen.  I'm not on a diet.  I have a diabetes friendly eating plan.  Now, 14 years in, at 130, I wouldn't mind still losing a couple more pounds, but at 66 my metabolism seems to be running in reverse.  😉  Fitbit keeps me going and motivated every day, and I look forward to meeting every new challenge. 

[wrongway]

Hi My Dr thinks I may be hypoglocemic so have been working really hard at leveling out my sugar levels.  I am managing to stay between 5-6.5.  I love that you can set a silent alarm on the FB to remind me every 3 hours to eat something. Since doing this have not dropped into the 3's at all.  Trying very hard to not be diabetic (have 2 brothers and sister that take meds for it).  I have lost 29 lbs and 25 to go. 

[Superfan]

I'm new to Fitbit, but love it so far! I had been in denial about diabetes for several years - always explaining the "my sugars were a little high..." or that I'm "prediabetic."  I had avoided going to the doctor for a couple years. Then I began to get a tingling sensation in my toes; and cuts and scratches seemed to take forever to heal.  I had unexplained rashes behind my ear that never seemed to go away.  I went to the doctor to confirm what I already knew - A1c over 12! That was a few months ago.

You know the story -- the doctor talked about the importance of food choices and exercise.  I had tried every diet plan and book in existence. They all worked for the short term, but realistically, that's not how people eat.  I decided to try portion control (such a novel idea, yeah?)  It was, and still is, difficult, but I eat a lot of vegetables and a moderate amount of fruit.  I eat whole grain bread, brown rice and pasta, and stay away from processed food. I try to limit the meat.  I don't eat anything after 7:00 pm at night.  To help with the temptation, I brush and flosh right after dinner.

Okay, this is where the Fitbit Flex comes in.  I had not been exercising up until about two weeks ago.  I now try to get my 10,000 steps in every day.  The FB also helps in monitoring my sleep, which is important to us with diabetes.  It is gratifying that the pounds are coming off, the tingling has gone away, and I don't have the rash anymore. Thanks for listening and I look forward to reading and participating in this forum and others.  Good luck!

[Lightsinger]

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@Superfan wrote:

I'm new to Fitbit, but love it so far! I had been in denial about diabetes for several years - always explaining the "my sugars were a little high..." or that I'm "prediabetic."  I had avoided going to the doctor for a couple years. Then I began to get a tingling sensation in my toes; and cuts and scratches seemed to take forever to heal.  I had unexplained rashes behind my ear that never seemed to go away.  I went to the doctor to confirm what I already knew - A1c over 12! That was a few months ago.

You know the story -- the doctor talked about the importance of food choices and exercise.  I had tried every diet plan and book in existence. They all worked for the short term, but realistically, that's not how people eat.  I decided to try portion control (such a novel idea, yeah?)  It was, and still is, difficult, but I eat a lot of vegetables and a moderate amount of fruit.  I eat whole grain bread, brown rice and pasta, and stay away from processed food. I try to limit the meat.  I don't eat anything after 7:00 pm at night.  To help with the temptation, I brush and flosh right after dinner.

Okay, this is where the Fitbit Flex comes in.  I had not been exercising up until about two weeks ago.  I now try to get my 10,000 steps in every day.  The FB also helps in monitoring my sleep, which is important to us with diabetes.  It is gratifying that the pounds are coming off, the tingling has gone away, and I don't have the rash anymore. Thanks for listening and I look forward to reading and participating in this forum and others.  Good luck!

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I think a lot of diabetics will recognize your story.  I was lucky, because my doctor sent me to a diabetes education class right away.  It helped a lot, and I highly recommend it to those who have never been.  Like you, over the years I had tried every diet known to man.  Diets didn't work for me, long term.  I wonder if they ever work for anyone long term, you know?  What did work was counting carbs, portion control and exercise.  I managed to lose 70 pounds and I've kept it off for at least 10-12 years, so I think it might be on the way to long term loss.  So far, so good.  Oral meds only, no tingling or loss of sensation, and no problems of any kind so far.  Doesn't mean it will be the same tomorrow, but I figure my way of eating gives me a fighting chance. 

[MamaBear22]

Hi Laura,

I was diagnosed in April and immediately started to try to make the changes necessary in my lifestyle.  I've lots 20 pounds and feel like I'm still find reasons not to exercise as much as I should and still eat too many calories many days, however, I'm changing my habits for the better and trying to make each day a good one.  I'm anxious to see if my efforts have changed my lab results in July and continue to try to shed pounds as I am still overweight and needing to keep motivated. The FB helps a lot as do these type of forums and the encouragement from everyone.  Good luck to you!

[Lightsinger]

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@winker_bean wrote:

Hi Everyone,

I am t2 diabetic. New to Fitbit....hope this helps keep everything tracked and toward my goal of weight loss and to get off of metforman....

Winnie 🙂

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I was diagnosed back in 2000 and I've been taking metformin since then, even though my doctor tells me that I could probably get off of it and control with just diet and exercise.  I have lowered my dosage, but taking metformin has just made my life easier, so I continue to take it.  I'm at a "healthy weight" now, I eat a diabetes friendly eating plan and exercise almost daily.  My A1c tends to be 5.6-5.9 -- never higher than that -- and I credit metformin with helping with the weight loss as well as for making my life just a little easier.  Whether I take medication or not, I know that I will always be diabetic.  A well controlled diabetic, but still diabetic.  For me, taking one oral medication is no different really than taking a daily vitamin.   

[soapsuds]

Hi, I am type 2 diabetic and have been for 29 years.  After I was put on insulin, I gained 10 lbs and am trying to lose that 10 (and more).  I have been increasing my activity now for 5 weeks, still not getting 10,000 steps daily. So far I have not seen much change in my Blood Sugar readings, and I have lost no weight.  Years ago, I learned from an old soldier that a .5 hour march after each meal would decrease both weight and blood sugars.  I have yet to reach that goal but I am working on it.

[soapsuds]

Counting carbs?  I wonder how many carbs you can have and still lose weight. Please, anyone answer this for me please. If you have experience losing weight by counting carbs, tell me, I am desperate.

[Lightsinger]

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@soapsuds wrote:

Counting carbs?  I wonder how many carbs you can have and still lose weight. Please, anyone answer this for me please. If you have experience losing weight by counting carbs, tell me, I am desperate.

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I'm counting carbs to help me control my glucose levels.  I've also lost weight doing it.  Mostly I count calories and carbohydrates.