Is a Prediabetes Diagnosis the End of your “Being Healthy” Journey?
I
t was time to go to the dreaded doctor’s visit for refills on a lifelong medication where “White Coat Syndrome” (blood pressure/pulse elevating upon entry to a doctor’s office) is as real to me as the fireworks you see at the 4th of July. Over the prior five years, I had allowed myself to go downhill (no exercise, unhealthy food options, soda was drink of choice, and tired all of the time). The bathroom scales gently called my name each day, but I avoided them more than someone would avoid sharing tissues with a COVD-19 infected individual. Before going to the doctor, I conceded to the beckoning of the scale...200+. Why had I let myself go? The blame game started...stress, work, family obligations, too busy. But then recollections of the unhealthy food and exercise habits flooded my mind. Insert White Coat Syndrome and my doctor’s visit. Bloodwork revealed Prediabetes. I was devastated. The very person who is supposed to exemplify health (since I am in a healthcare industry) was becoming a statistic, instead of a positive example to those at risk for the same issues. Fast forward: I got serious about a change...becoming more active, diet changes and learning to help make a complex impact was my goal. My most important change was having accountability from friends and loved ones gently asking how much water had I consumed for the day, joining in fun step counting contests, and a friend blaming it on herself that she needed to walk, knowing she was literally walking with me in the journey. Slowly, my nemesis called “THE SCALE” in the bathroom became a confidant each morning as I saw the number go down. Finally, when I put myself as Number 1, the number one started my weight number on the scale again. I was no
longer putting myself as Number 2. Symbolic but real. I followed up with the doctor three months later. Normal Range! Prediabetes was scary, but not doing anything is
[ Healthy Living ] BY ANONYMOUS SPONSORED BY CANNON PHARMACY
more scary. For a free prediabetes program, Prevent T2, please visit www.cabarrushealth.org/395/Diabetes, or call Rolanda Patrick at 704-920-1362. It will be worth the journey.
July 2020 | 17
