Ann's Story

My story is not unique at all. Like many others I have tried several diets. During my 73 years of life, all diets have seemed to be successful-at least when I tried them. But they are never sustainable in the long run. I even tried the Eat to Live Program and had a couple false starts with them. It seemed impossible to make a long-term commitment.

Last October, I finally went to my doctor for my annual exam, two years since the last annual exam. I had kept delaying since I knew from experience that, because I'd gained wight, my bloodwork numbers would not be good but the doctor's office called and I was compelled to go in.

Sure enough, My HbA1c was high-in the diabetic range this time:  my cholesterol was high: and my BMI classified me as "obese" just over the line from "overweight" .  Usually in the past it had been "overweight" with "pre-diabetes".

My doc wrote DIABETES MELLITUS in big capital letters on my paperwork. I thought he had only written that I had "issues with sugar metabolism". He said he would eventually prescribe drugs for diabetes education and referred me to an ophthalmologist to rule out any macular degeneration of the retina. He read me the riot act! And then I said I didn't remember him ever actually diagnosing diabetes before. He said, " You've had diabetes-you just didn't want to believe it!"

He also prescribed a statin drug, saying that it would help protect me from cardiovascular disease even if I did manage my diet and improve my scores-because I was diabetic. He acted like my history was against me, as far as any prospect of my establishing a lifestyle change and medication was needed. I agreed to take the statin, but later changed my mind and never picked up the RX at the pharmacy. I also cancelled my diabetes education course I did see the eye doctor, though who found no retinal damage.

So, my doctor seemed negative but he actually lit a fire under me. As I was determined to take control of my life. That's when I checked out Dr. Fuhrman and his website again. As providence would have it, the 10IN20 Detox/Intermittent Fasting program was just about to start up! And the rest is history.

After the Detox, I continued with the Weight Loss Challenge and ended up losing over 40 pounds since the beginning of the challenge. My bloodwork has improved drastically. As of March, my fasting glucose and cholesterol values are all in the normal range. The hA1c went down to 5.9 (pre diabetic), I'm hoping the trend continues for a normal reading soon. No need for meds!

Although my tastebuds have not yet totally adjusted, doing without adding salt, sugar or oils and strategies must be employed to avoid temptation.  I am not going back. And I no longer crave the foods of the health robbing, standard American diet. Going back to it would be a recipe for disaster. When I think how much better I feel and look now, and how much more energy I have. I am enjoying every day.