Proof for those that need it that running is good for you

[The_Fat_Controller]

I have type 2 diabetes and in July 2017 my HbA1c was 82 (not good). My doctor told me I needed to take action, so by doing more walking and cutting down on what I ate I managed to reduce it to 48 by May 2018. The doctor suggested I could improve it even further by getting my heart rate up and 'get a bit breathless' so I started C25K and graduated in July. Since then I've kept up the running three days a week, with walking and cycling other days and one chill-out/rest day. The good news is that last week my HbA1c was down to 41 which is normal (non-diabetic range) and the doctor has said that if I can maintain that for the next six months he'll take me off all meds. I'm 58, couldn't have run 15 yards, and now, thanks to C25K, I'm looking and feeling fitter and healthier than ever. I'm proof, if anyone needs it, that running is good for you, and what's more, if I was able to do it anyone can.

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Hi, it's always been said that people need to look after themselves better and they can reverse some health conditions with eating better and exercising and you have proved that so good for you 😊😊

[The_Fat_Controller Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

If only more people would take their doctor's advice we'd all be a lot healthier 😊

[Jundal Graduate in reply to The_Fat_Controller]

My doctor told me to stop running, so maybe not...

[ItstheMarchHare Graduate]

Wow, that’s amazing, well done 😊

[The_Fat_Controller Graduate in reply to ItstheMarchHare]

Thanks, and yes, it feels great 😊

[Oldlady57]

Congratulations TFC. I applaud you & your determination to take care of your health 👏👏👏

[The_Fat_Controller Graduate in reply to Oldlady57]

Thanks Oldlady61, I'm not only feeling better, I think I look better too (though I don't think my hair is ever going to grow back)

[Oldlady57 in reply to The_Fat_Controller]

Change is the hardest thing to do by far TFC. I’m full of admiration for your commitment👍🏻

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Great results there... getting rid of the meds will be so liberating for you... you’re an inspiration for everyone here struggling, especially those in pre-diabetic or type 2 diagnosed. Keep on loving your new healthy life, and come back and tell us when the meds are in the bin.

[The_Fat_Controller Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

42 to 47 HbA1c is pre-diabetic, 41 is 'normal', if I can keep it at 41 my doctor will be happy (as will I). I'm determined not to spend the rest of my life on tablets 💊💊

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to The_Fat_Controller]

You may well be lower than 41 too.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Sounds like you have a great GP there.

Congratulations.

[The_Fat_Controller Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

He's very supportive, and rather than just telling me 'take these', or 'do, this, do that' he suggests ways for me to take the initiative and look after my own health. I like that approach.

[jayval70]

That’s brilliant. Well done you. You’d better get a new user name 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️

[The_Fat_Controller Graduate in reply to jayval70]

Thanks jayval70, I'm sticking with TFC as I use it on other forums. Also it's a reminder what will happen if I don't stick to my new fitness regime. And also 'The Skinny Controller' just doesn't sound as good 😊

[BaddieThePirate Graduate]

Brilliant, well done!

[The_Fat_Controller Graduate in reply to BaddieThePirate]

Thanks BaddieThePirate, I'm feeling good, looking good, glad I stuck with the running after graduation. Still haven't got around to doing a Parkrun, though I've signed up. I'm a bit of an antisocial sod, enjoy hiking and running by myself ⛰️🏃

[BaddieThePirate Graduate in reply to The_Fat_Controller]

Nothing wrong with that, the majority of mine are solo runs. So long as you enjoy them and you are definitely enjoying the benefits.

[Jundal Graduate in reply to BaddieThePirate]

Solo boys and girls, preach!

[BeckySharp1]

absolute achievement right there! I am hoping for same with my high BP meds

[The_Fat_Controller Graduate in reply to BeckySharp1]

Good luck Becky, it's great that we are able to do things for ourselves to reverse medical problems. And running is a no-brainer way to do it.

[Circle_On_Legs Graduate]

Wow. Congratulations. So good when people actually DO something about a condition other than sitting back and just taking the meds. Did you also lose weight? I understand that is another significant benefit to diabetes. I dont have diabetes but was told my last blood test that the level was only just under. I did W7 R2 yesterday.

[Oldlady57 in reply to Circle_On_Legs]

Keep going COL. Agree totally with your sentiments. Change is ALWAYS harder. So congratulations to both of you & all that are changing their lifestyles to improve their health 👏👏👏

[The_Fat_Controller Graduate in reply to Circle_On_Legs]

Hi Circle_On_Legs, I'm down from 92.5 kgs to 82.5 kgs thanks to the running (started C25K when I was 87.5 kgs). A fitness-freak friend told me exercise alone isn't enough to take the weight off and to reduce my calorie intake without dieting as such, so I use the MyFitnessPal app to monitor calories and have managed to drop my weight (gradually) without starving myself. My doctor has set me a target of 80 kgs and he says if I can achieve and maintain that weight I should have very few health issues. 🤸‍♂️

[JonathanP Graduate]

Well done TFC - fantastic achievement! I was diagnosed with type 2 in May and as well as completing c25k and now running 10k, I have changed diet and lost over 2 stone. Currently waiting for the outcome of my recent diabetic assessment and blood test - hopefully the outcome will be as good as yours!

[BaddieThePirate Graduate in reply to JonathanP]

Excellent, so positive. Well done!

[The_Fat_Controller Graduate in reply to JonathanP]

Thanks Jonathan. When I was diagnosed with type 2 I realised that it was self-inflicted due to my lifestyle and immediately made the changes to try and reverse it, even cure it so far as is possible. I'm almost there and feeling great that it's thanks to my own efforts. I'm not a doctor but from the sound of it you're doing everything you need to and I don't see why your outcome won't be as good as mine. Good luck with the results and keep us posted. It's always an encouragement to those following behind.

[JonathanP Graduate in reply to The_Fat_Controller]

Thanks TFC - much appreciated

[Equi-geek Graduate]

Fantastic TFC! What a brilliant turnaround in your health 👏👏👏🤩🤩🤩

[The_Fat_Controller Graduate in reply to Equi-geek]

Thanks Equi-geek. That was the main reason for my original post, just to let everyone know that C25K (and running in general) can result in major health improvements. It makes all the effort worthwhile 😅

[Karenshann Graduate]

Wow, well done, that is very inspiring

[The_Fat_Controller Graduate in reply to Karenshann]

Thank you Karen. I'm glad I discovered C25K because I'm now a lot fitter and healthier for it. It's only right that I should tell my success story in the hope that someone else will benefit, just as previous graduates shared their stories with us. Pay it forward as our American friends would say.

[Jundal Graduate]

Well done, TFC. Well done indeed.