That's right, after LOWERING my dosage of metformin (generic glucophage) six months ago; my HbA1C went DOWN to 5.5 from 5.8.  Yes, I brought my average blood sugars DOWN by reducing my medication and increasing my cardio and strength training.  It's only a decrease of about 8 mg/dl but that's an average over 24/7.  AND I went from 2000 mg metformin to 1500 mg.   I know "they" say it can and should work that way, but I'm the first to admit I didn't believe it.  (Or that was my excuse for not trying harder).

I think it's the increased insulin sensitivity from the new muscle.  At any rate, I was pretty darned excited.  We've now dropped another pill, so I'm at 1000 mg daily. I'll see around the new year how that's working.  I almost want to go in early, though I don't want to pay for it.

One reason I'm so excited about possibly dropping my metformin is that no insurance company will accept my application while I am on any medication for type 2.  Crazy, isn't it?  But my COBRA runs out in February, so I'm starting to sweat what my options will be.  The job front is not looking terribly promising.  My $85 5 minute doc visits could easily become $185.   

Although I've only lost 20 pounds or so, I have lost 5 inches off my waist, so I know my muscle mass has increased.  That and the fact that doing 300 crunches in a training session is even possible for me now.  The functional fitness is the best part.  I can carry a kid in one arm and a couple bags of groceries in the other and not need to plan how I could gracefully drop them if or when my arms gave out.  I'm also not squeezing my daughter so tightly against my body that she squirms and calling it "carrying" her!   

I used to believe that the talk of endorphins was all a sham to try and trick me into working out.  Or maybe they really did exist in marathoners and tri-athletes.  Now I KNOW they are real and I can feel it when I don't work out for a few days.  I KNOW I am a better mother when I'm working out 3+ days a week.  Even my 6 year old sees a difference and will encourage me to get to the gym.    

But if you're anything like I was - you don't believe me.  You may be still procrastinating or still convincing yourself that your body is different from the other 5 billion on the planet.  All I can say is "give it an honest try".  Commit to 4 work-outs a week for 2 months.  Real workouts - not 20 minutes pedaling the bike at a 110 heartrate. (I've been there, done that several times in the past) I think you'll have the same success that I have had.  Thus far.  Because I cannot kid myself into thinking I have it whipped (like Oprah did).  Working out has to remain a priority.

And food?  Dietary indiscretions continue to be my  bete noire.  But that's another post.  This one is about success!