Hi Grant,
Your story sounds VERY much like mine. Only I’m a woman, shorter than you (5’-2") and old enough (52) that weight gain is a problem for me, anyway. I was diagnosed about 6 yrs. ago & did GREAT – for about 6 mos. Then I just became overwhelmed with everything and spent about a year “ignoring” the fact that I was diabetic. So this landed me on 7 different meds including insulin, actos & metformin … all of which encouraged MORE weigjht gain.
Last February I was told I would need to increase the insulin dosages (again) and something in me (finally) just said “No.”. And, I began making more intelligent food choices and returned to the dreaded exercise. The first time I got on the treadmill I walked for 15 minutes at 2.0 mph. But, I got on the next day and the day after that … I have now shed nearly 50 pounds and eliminated dependancy on all 7 meds, including insulin.
I am pleased with my progress, feeling (and looking) much better. I hope to shed another 30 pounds over the next year. I am now working to run 5K’s this spring with my 15 y/o daughter, and hope to work up to 1/2 marathons and then to marathons. I believe VERY firmly that exercise is an integral part of controlling diabetes. Cardio is the best way to burn fat, exercise builds muscle and steps up your metabolism, the weight loss produced by additional caloric deficit from burning calories in exercise assists your body in handling sugars/carbs; and making better food choices fuels all of the above!
Congrats to you on taking those initial steps. I am proud of you. And, I will look forward to hearing additional news of YOUR progress! BTW, it DOES eventually get to where you enjoy the exercise and the feeling it produces in you, I walk with our Old English Sheepdog and run with my iPod. I now actually do look forward to it and miss it if life gets in the way of a decent workout! It has become my “Me” time.