Getting back into shape at 55

I had been diagnosed with Diabetes 2 since 2001, was prescribed Metformin 1000 mg twice a day, and Avandia (which was withdrawn by the FDA because of increased risk of heart attacks). My Doctor put me on 15 units of insulin twice a day, and it was increased to 24 units twice a day as of 2022.

My weight increased up to 209 pounds (95 Kg). I felt horrible, lethargic and tired all of the time. I couldn't travel, I couldn't dress up or take pictures of myself. I became sick last year in 2022 and was hospitalised for a continuing infection and fever. I felt helpless. When I was released from the hospital without getting being cured, I started to watch the Dr Berg videos on Youtube and began to follow his suggestions. I had heard about Keto but thought that it was a crazy American diet.

My life began to change. I cut back on my carbohydrates ( Here in India everyone eats maybe one half pound of white rice 3 times a day and lots of white flour). I began to take chia seeds and flax seeds. To replace the rice, I increased my intake of fish, pork and vegetables. I followed his advice about apple cider vinegar and lemon. I started intermittent fasting and increased it from 12 up to 17 hours a day. I began to lose a lot of weight and my blood sugar levels improved. But then a few problems started. My morning blood sugar levels increased regularly up to 200 or more (I found out from the videos that it was the "Dawn Effect").

I began to have severe spikes in my blood sugar, sometimes up to over 290. I would break out in heavy sweats and suffered fast and irregular heart beats with pain. I had trouble going out because of anxiety attacks. I afraid that I would have a heart attack. I had a lot of lab work done but they came back normal. I later found out that I had a potassium deficiency and an electrolyte imbalance. I was always severely dehydrated in the middle of the day ( India sun and afternoon temperatues near 100 degrees ) and when that happened my blood sugar would spike regularly up to near 300. I was relieved when my symptoms eventually improved. My anxiety attacks decreased, my heart "palpitations" went away, and I didn't sweat as much.

By June of this year things began to get better. My blood sugar levels came down and I lost more weight... down to 165 pounds (75 kg) by June of this year. I felt better, happier and relaxed. I could move around and exercise better. But I felt that I had a small problem. I wasn't losing weight as fast as I wanted. I lost more weight as I increased exercise with soleus leg pushups, Tai Chi and Yoga. I continued the low carbohydrate diet, intermittent fasting, and drank plenty of water.

No more dehydration nor severe blood sugar spikes. As of last month I was still taking metformin twice daily, but my blood sugar levels were still averaging over 140. Metformin didn't seem to be reducing my blood sugar levels at all. That's when I finally decided to try Berberine after watching Dr. Berg's videos on Berberine and Metformin. It's almost like a miracle. For the first time in 20 years I am no longer taking insulin, and my blood sugar levels are in the 90s to around 100, within the normal range. I feel a lot better stronger and happier. Thanks to Dr Berg. Many of my friends are already asking me what I did to lose weight and how I treated my diabetes. I am happy to guide them to Dr Berg.