Fat 2 Fit: Betty Klein: Reversing Diabetes Before It's Too Late
Eating produce, fish, and lean meats can help control diabetes. And eating Asian pumpkins may even help to reverse the disease, some animal research suggests.
By: Carole Carson | Source: AARP.org | 2008-09-18
Left untreated, diabetes causes irreversible damage. Except for not sleeping well, Betty Klein, 70, of Nevada City, Calif., had no symptoms. When a routine test detected type 2 diabetes, Betty was surprised.
Starting at 181.5 pounds distributed over her 5-foot-1-inch frame, Betty had lost 25 pounds while participating in the weight-loss program Take Off Pounds Sensibly before she learned she had diabetes.
She took off another 22, for a total loss of 47 pounds. For her achievement among 62 members, she was named "Queen of the Year" for TOPS chapter 1739, based in Grass Valley, Calif.
Cutting portions in half was critical, along with reducing fat. Betty emphasized fruits and vegetables, ate more chicken and fish, and had less fatty meat. She rode a bicycle six to seven days a week for 35 minutes. Courageously tackling the problem while there was still time, she now faces the future with confidence.
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