Success Story: Lifestyle Tweaks Cured Diabetes

**NOTE: Name changed to protect privacy

Robert worked as an elementary school crossing guard. He loved seeing the same children and families every morning, and took pride in protecting them in the street. He was overweight with Type 2 Diabetes and high blood pressure. Although his 'numbers' were high, they had been stable for decades so his doctors were happy with his medical management.

Over time, Robert had greater difficulty crossing the intersection at work. He would escort the children half way across the street, then return to sit on a chair at the corner between lights to catch his breath and rest his painful knee. He grew increasingly concerned about falling so he started carrying a cane when he was not working. He worried that he had to get in better shape, or he might lose his job.

After his leg "just gave out" when stepping out of his truck one afternoon, Robert was finally ready to take action. He contacted me for a consultation, unsure of how I would be able to help. He said he wanted to start exercising and showed me instructions from his primary care doctor for a walking program. She told him to walk continuously for 20 minutes every day. He tried over and over again, but was never able to walk more than a few minutes before getting winded, red in the face, and developing painful cramps in his legs. Despite wanting to walk as his doctor instructed, Robert felt like it was impossible for him.

After listening to his story, we discussed his goals, motivations, and daily life. It did not take long for me to understand Robert needed much more support than his doctor had offered. Clearly, a man who could not cross a street without needing to rest would have a hard time walking 20 minutes without stopping. Right away, we started planning his Lifestyle Renewal Program. We focused on all the factors impacting Robert's movement: cardiovascular fitness, balance, strengthening, mechanics of work and household activities, stress, footwear, safety in the community, nutrition, hydration, sleep, and social support.

First, I observed him at work as a crossing guard. To understand the physical demands of his job, I measured crosswalk distances, how many times he crossed the children, timed the traffic light cycles, measured his time sitting vs standing vs walking, and identified environmental factors that increased his fall risk. Then, using data from his workplace, I customized a workout program specific to his needs and would also fit his lifestyle. We focused on functional strengthening such as squats from his chair, balance on uneven surfaces, agility during environmental distractions, and started his cardiovascular training with short drills that would simulate intersection crossings.

To ensure the correct dose of exercise each day, I monitored blood sugar, vital signs, and compared those to his perceived exertion. We started with many rest breaks, making sure his body was ready before we pushing forward. Soon our two minute walks extended into hour-long strolls in the park with only a few short rests. We added stair training, walking on grass, and higher intensity aquatic exercises. Soon, Robert joined my group Sit or Stand Fitness and Aqua Fit classes. We made a few easy tweaks to his usual lunch menu, practiced carrying laundry and groceries from his car, and went shopping together to fit him in shoes that would improve his stability. After a year, Robert felt more confident, had lost over 30 pounds, was exercising 5 days per week, had gained a network of friends in his fitness classes, and had started exploring more of his community on his walks. Robert’s blood sugar improved so much that he was clinically out of diabetes and was taken off multiple medications. He accomplished all of this without suffering through restrictive diets, adding supplements or medications, nor needing recovery time from grueling workouts. Instead, we worked together to craft a lifestyle that worked for him. Because of his dedication to our 'baby-steps' approach, better health came with ease.

I love helping people like Robert who have been managing a chronic condition, but want to do better. If you or someone you care about is feeling stuck in your fitness routine, in a health rut, or not sure how to move forward with your lifestyle goals, please reach out for a complimentary consultation. Let’s talk about your goals. If you want a healthier and more active future, my services might be a perfect fit for you. Learn more about my aquatic training, Lifestyle Renewal Program, and Annual Membership here.