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....

[Ellie2014]

How is that working out for you? 

Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone

[Maddieboo]

Hey guys! Im Maddie I am 16 years old and i have type 1 diabetes! Ive had diabetes since i was 6! I have moved recently and the quest to make new friends and get good grades have really put to much presure on me. My A1C has spiked to over 8 and i now weigh 193.0 pounds! I would really like a buddy to help me lose weight and be more active! I would like to text every day if possible so i have somone to rely on for help! If you think you can help and are up for thr challenge.Thanks guys! ~Maddie

Moderator Edit: Removed personal information

[wrongway]

Hi Maddie, you can join different groups that my have the same interests as you.  In these groups you can usually find people to friend that will give you the challenges you want.  Try the group Monthly challenge group-starting 8/1/14"  I know it is well into the month but you can join anytime.  If you want someone to to encourage you, I would be happy to send daily texts (my grandson is your age)  Take it one day at a time and things will work out.

[Maddieboo]

Thanks! i would love it if you could text me everyday just ask me something like what youve eatin today or about my activateis! to get my number please send me a privet message!

[wrongway]

when you friend someone on fitbit the messages sent between us is private.? Just friend whoever and the messages can be sent daily or whatever you want.

[LewWagner]

Well, major milestone achieved.  Got down to my target weight of 170 amd my docsaid I couldgo off the Metaformin.  Did so last night and this morning my fasting glucose level was 87.  I was xcared it would skyrocket after not taking the meds, last night.

[Superfan]

Congratulations, Lew!  I've watching your progress since I joined this discussion group in June, and it's very motivating.  In fact, I draw strength from everyone that takes the time to post stories of their journey.  l look forward to hearing your experience "post-medication."  Wishing you continued success.

[gilv58]

Hello

I was diagnosed with diabetes just about a month ago. Same story as many here, I wast told that if I lost some 10% of my body weight and exercised, I may have a chance to get of the meds. I have been controlling my calories,staying off foods with a high glysemic index and exercising. I do 30 min on the treadmill and I walk some 6,000 steps per day. Got a FitBit to track my activity and sleep. I have synchronized my FitBit account with my MFP account. So far I have lost half the weight I need to lose to hit the 10% weight reduction. The FitBit keeps me motivated and on track.

[LewWagner]

---

@gilv58 wrote:

Hello

I was diagnosed with diabetes just about a month ago. Same story as many here, I wast told that if I lost some 10% of my body weight and exercised, I may have a chance to get of the meds. I have been controlling my calories,staying off foods with a high glysemic index and exercising. I do 30 min on the treadmill and I walk some 6,000 steps per day. Got a FitBit to track my activity and sleep. I have synchronized my FitBit account with my MFP account. So far I have lost half the weight I need to lose to hit the 10% weight reduction. The FitBit keeps me motivated and on track.

---

Congrats, gilv58!!!

Keep at it.  10 months ago when I was diagnosed at Type II, I heard the same thing.  That was when I weight 300+ lbs.  Through OCD exercise and strict nutrition diet (from a nutrionist), I am now down to 170 (my initial target weight goal) and my doc has taken me off my Metaformin.  My glucose has not jumped up like I feared.  I'm still in the 90s-low 100's. 

Good luck...strike that, sounds like you're making your own luck and getting it done!

Lew

[judeveg]

I'm type 2  I'd love to come off my medication I have blood tests next week so will see if I have improved. I have had a fitbit for 2 weeks and average 4 to 5 thousand steps a day. I'm also on mfp and have lost 26 pounds since June.

[Superfan]

I wanted to thank everybody who has participated in this forum, again, for the inspiration and encouragement you have provided.  Today, I reached my goal weight of 184 and just received my latest A1c and it's 5.6!  My blood pressure has been down in the 110/70 range for more than a month and I've been religiously walking 13,000 steps a day.  

I didn't think it would be possible just a few short months ago. My A1c was 12.2 and my eAG (estimated Average Glucose) was over 300.  My blood pressure was high and I weighed 45 lbs more than I do now.  It's the first time in more than 30 years that I've weighed less than 200 lbs - a new feeling for me.  Losing the weight slowly was a key for me (one or two pounds a week.)  I had previously tried every diet in the book and they all worked; that is, until I had to go back to eating regular food.  I've used portion control and counting carbs like a hawk.  Also, I am careful about the "quality" of carbs that I ingest - trying to eat the one's that are low on the glycemic index.

Anyway, I'm ranting -- my main purpose was to thank all of you out in the Fitbit/Diabetic community for your help and support.  Let me know if/how I can return the favor.  Good luck to you all.

[LewWagner]

SuperFan,

Kudos!!  If you're going into a maintenance phase, now, keep up your new lifestyle.  We're all very proud of you!

Lew

[gilv58]

Thanks Lew

Read the entire thread you seem to be well informed and an inspiration to many.

[Superfan]

Thanks for your encouragement, Lew!  As I've said previously, I have drawn strength from your inspiring story.  Looking forward to maintenance and staying vigilant.

[max814]

Hi...I have been type 1 for 55 years and like others I am experiencing
highs after exercising. My doctor would like to see my workout
schedule...have others tried to get the info from fitbit activity log to
your docs? It would be great to pair it up w pump readings and cgm info for
physician reference...any ideas? Thanks. ..Max (Maxine)

[gilv58]

Milestone reached: I am down to 169 lbs. I have not weight less than 180 in 20 yrs and had got up to 206 two years ago.  I dropped one pant size, had to get new pants this weekend I was looking bad in my current clothes now too baggy for me.

Still have some 10 lbs to go and two months before my next check up. I keep a low glysemic index diet, 1250 calories and 6,000 steps daily plus 30 minutes on the treadmill 3-4 times a week.My wife says I stop snoring and my sleep apmnea episodes are gone.I don't monitor my blood sugar numbers.

My FitBit Flex helps keep me motivated. The best $100 I have spend in a long time. Thanks to it  I may have a chance of getting off meds and staying healthy.

Gil V.

[Antredd]

I was diagnosed with diabetes in 2009 and my A1c was 13. After originally losing about 50 pounds, from 220 to 170 pounds, and eating healthier, I was able to reverse my diabetes.

Then life happened. My father was hit by a driver in 2013, and he suffered severe injuries that resulted in him having to live in a nursing home. I gained 30 pounds back from the stress and eating fast food when I would go and visit him.  When I got on the scale in January, I weighed 211 pounds. I wasn't shocked because I couldn't squeeze into any of my 32 pants anymore. Also, I began to see my A1C level creep over my HMO's recommendation of 6.9 or lower to 7.4. So I decided to start back working out 6 days a week eliminating fast food, and sticking to my daily workout plan.

As of my last test A1C test, my A1C is down to  6.2, and my doctor wants to make me the poster child for reversing diabetes.

 I just purchased the fitbit on Labor Day to see if I could manage my weight after getting back down to 177 pounds. I like how this device keeps track of your steps and exercises. The first time I lost weight, I didn't know how to manage my weight to keep from gaining it back. So hopefully with this device it will help me monitor my fitness activities.

My goal is to get down to about 165. I am only 5'7'', 47 year old black male. I'll be 50 years old in less than 3 years, and my goal is to be 50, fabulous, and fit.

[Char-K]

Hi,

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 2 or 3 years ago.  The FitBit Flex helped keep me motivated to walk most days of the week.  With that in conjunction with eating differently & being aware of portion size I've been losing weight.  Since Dec 2013 I have lowered my A1c from 6.9 diabetic range to 5.3 normal range! In addition to the FitBit, I used the cell phone app 'Lose It'.  The FitBit has the food monitoring portion of the program too, but I was already using 'Lose It' & didn't want to duplicate entering foods.  

I love the way the FitBit helps with motivation!  Good luck to you!!

Char

[MaryLynn]

I am using the Fit Bit Zip, and have had diabetes for two years. Got over 10,000 steps today.