Last February my dear husband David made an appointment to see his doctor. He was having some digestive troubles that he thought might be related to having his gall bladder removed. In addition to prescribing some probiotics, the doctor also ordered a full blood panel just to rule out any other potential issues. The good news- David’s cholesterol numbers are fantastic! The bad news- his A1C (measure of blood glucose control) was 7.1, placing him in the diabetic range. Diabetes!!! Not the diagnosis we were expecting.
David’s doctor instructed him to change his diet (1200 calories per day limit) and lose a minimum of 20 pounds (25-30 would be even better) within the next 6 months. At that time, David would return for a follow-up appointment and have more blood tests to check his progress. Further treatment options would be discussed at that time.
Wow! 1200 calories per day? My sweet man, who LOVES food, was being asked to reduce his total daily calories to about one-third of his normal intake. No small feat.
David received the diagnosis on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. We had planned quite a feast for that evening, not knowing that life was about to radically change. When we sat down to dinner, David explained what was happening to our girls. He patiently answered all of their questions and was honest about how this had taken him by surprise. They were pretty shaken by the news. We all were. We had walked through many major health crises with other people, but now this was happening to one of us!
During this discussion, David told us that he was committed to doing whatever he had to do to get healthy. No excuses. However, one issue lingered in our minds. There is a significant family history of diabetes on the paternal side of his family tree. Would diet control alone be enough to reverse this? David said that he would do all he could do and trust God for healing in the process. We girls committed to do whatever we could to love and support him through this.
The next day we cleaned out the pantry and fridge, setting a course to follow the new diet guidelines. David began to meticulously measure food portions and count calories. It was NOT easy and it was NOT fun! But he quickly began to lose weight, which was great motivation to keep going. He had such an amazing attitude in the midst of the struggle.
A couple of weeks ago, David went to his doctor for the six-month follow-up visit. After losing 27 pounds, David’s A1C was down to 5.7, placing him within the normal range for blood glucose control. Hallelujah!!! The diet control is working! The doctor was very impressed that David actually followed his treatment recommendations. He told the medical student that was observing during the appointment that day that he wished all of his patients would follow instructions and take control of their own health the same way as David. Obedience really does bring blessing! No medication is required and David will return for annual visits to monitor his health. Double Hallelujah!!!
Words can hardly express just how proud I am of my husband. His faith and determination have inspired me to make my own diet changes. Granted, I have only lost 9 pounds as compared to his 27- 1 for his every 3- somehow this hardly seems fair! But, it is what it is and 9 pounds are better than nothing!
We certainly haven’t arrived at the end of this journey. Now comes the challenge to maintain this lifestyle change. During the times when it is especially tough and temptation is all around, David often turns to me and tells me that he is determined to be successful because he loves me. Because he wants to grow old with me and be around to enjoy his kids, and grandkids, and great-grandkids. Oh, how I love that man! And so we continue on… one moment at a time…choosing life…together.
Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. Proverbs 9:11