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In February 2005, my doctor diagnosed type 2 diabetes, based on an elevated A1C level and nerve damage (neuropathy) in my feet and legs. He handed me a few copied sheets of a “diabetic” diet and a prescription for a glucose meter. I was 60, weighed 245 pounds, and was taking 3 BP drugs, Lasix, and gabapentin for the damaged nerves.

The meter showed me that in addition to desserts and anything containing sugar or HFCS, rice and potatoes were my worst enemies, with bread and pasta not far behind. Based on that knowledge, I decided that the diabetic diet was NOT appropriate - I could do better on a low-carb/low glycemic diet instead. Over the next six months I lost about 10 pounds, and reduced my A1C back just within normal range.

But the neuropathy remained, and even worsened over the next 3 1/2 years, and my weight remained at about 235. My neuropathy made running - or even vigorous walking - impossible, because I could not keep my balance. And I began to have arthritic pains in my hips and legs that were bad enough that I started taking Celebrex, to be able to walk up stairs. The Dr. told me that my hips were OK, but my lower spine was in bad shape for my age. He prescribed physical therapy to try to lessen the pain.

The therapist gave me some mobility exercises, and also put me on a recumbent stationary bike and a treadmill for a few minutes each. That was where I discovered that I could use a treadmill without fear of falling, which was a constant fear walking in my neighborhood.

My wife and I joined the Jewish Community Center (at the “senior couple” bargain rate) on August 1, 2008. I weighed 235, and I could walk 3 mph for 20 minutes with the treadmill level, but I had to sit and rest afterward for 10-15 minutes to recover - NOT a problem any more.

Yesterday - and every day but Saturday and the Jewish holidays - I “walked” 1.77 miles in 35 minutes on an elliptical machine (504 calories) and I walked 2.81 miles on a treadmill in 35 more minutes, at 13% elevation (617 calories.)

I weigh 170 (down 65 pounds,) and plan to take off another 10 pounds. My feet are still numb, but but the neuropathy in my legs seem to have improved somewhat. My glucose readings average under 100, morning and night, but if I cheat on my diet it can jump 40 points - like last week, when I had three servings of (breaded) fried catfish.

I have discarded my support hose, beta blocker, and lasix, and reduced dosage of the alpha blocker, because my BP was dropping too low with the increased exercise and lost weight. The lowest was 74/42, but since adjustments it stays above 85/48, which does not bother me at all.

Other than the low-glycemic constraints, I do NOT diet, in the sense of counting calories or planning meals. I am VERY hungry after workouts, but an apple and lots of water fixes that.

I will be 70 in about 6 weeks, and feeling pretty good about it.