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.
Proof for those that need it that running is g... - Couch to 5K
Proof for those that need it that running is good for you
![The_Fat_Controller profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/c8cd324cb721b3be6ff2e37c67623d5d_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
![The_Fat_Controller profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/c8cd324cb721b3be6ff2e37c67623d5d_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
![Buddy34 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/e08785ae53ff79fd7e4b23dae08aa3f3_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
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 😊😊
Congratulations TFC. I applaud you & your determination to take care of your health 👏👏👏
![UnfitNoMore profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/bf3916744e07dfa78163762b71830be2_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
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.
![IannodaTruffe profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/3f4bb9be0d77359f644e07c022a99698_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Sounds like you have a great GP there.
Congratulations.
That’s brilliant. Well done you. You’d better get a new user name 🏃♂️🏃♂️🏃♂️
![BaddieThePirate profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/38ea48997307fbeb3c4082e7566f01ee_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Brilliant, well done!
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 ⛰️🏃
absolute achievement right there! I am hoping for same with my high BP meds
![Circle_On_Legs profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/5c0df9ca5473fa1655cbcdd33ae998e1_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
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.
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 👏👏👏
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 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/3719fb0c-fc11-43d5-bd6d-fd38f3ff4aae_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
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!
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.
![Equi-geek profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/139e112c14e3bc47f410100b0567654f_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Fantastic TFC! What a brilliant turnaround in your health 👏👏👏🤩🤩🤩
![Karenshann profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/aab8d94b37a47f92ffb1407c1f0b156a_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Wow, well done, that is very inspiring
![Jundal profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/7a725b1f171428cc48f0a547f246c3a1_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Well done, TFC. Well done indeed.