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NEW YEAR, NEW YOU: A Diabetes Makeover Contest
The New Year has begun and you’re just brimming with hope and anticipation at a brand new YOU! Correct? But making those lasting changes can be very difficult when you’re striking out on your own and before you can say “Martin Luther King Jr. Day” you’re back to your old (not-always-so-desirable) habits… don’t I know it!
For just this reason, I have teamed up with an innovative company called Insulite Laboratories to bring you “NEW YEAR, NEW YOU – A DIABETES MAKEOVER CONTEST.” Insulite Labs has created a brand-new program called Insulite Diabetes Advanced Management System and its goal is to help PWDs with their diet and exercise while also providing a full support network.
The program aims to help:
- Reduce weight
- Increase metabolism
- Reduce fatigue
- Reverse insulin resistance
- Eliminate carbohydrate addiction
We’ll be choosing three worthy winners to participate in this comprehensive program at absolutely no cost for three months: Two individuals with Type 2 diabetes and one with Type 1 diabetes. While they generally refer to “people with Type 2 diabetes” in their materials, the Insulite Advanced Diabetes Management System will also support people with Type 1 diabetes, the company assures me (um, did someone say “carbohydrate addiction?”).
The “Makeover”
Via email, winners will receive Insulite’s weekly health protocols that include tools like sample menus, lifestyle tips and access to info on the latest research to help them stay motivated. Plus, the company’s online customer booklet provides details on reversing carb/sugar addiction, a diet and exercise diary, helpful charts and step-by-step guidance on diet and exercise. They’ll also be in touch with Insulite’s Consulting and Advisory teams online, and phone consultations can be arranged.
In addition — for those who choose — winners can receive Insulite Lab’s Nutraceuticals products, a combination of vitamins, minerals and herbs designed to help with cardiovascular function and insulin sensitivity. [This part is totally optional and not required as part of the package if you win.]
[Disclaimer: anyone taking insulin is advised to "be vigilant in working with their health care providers to identify any changes in their insulin needs." In particular, patients on insulin that begin the program could experience hypoglycemia and require insulin and diet adjustments per their health care providers.]
So who is Insulite Laboratories? The company was established in 2001 in Boulder, Colorado, to research, develop and test a scientifically based, multi-faceted approach for addressing the problems associated with insulin resistance. They have culled an expansive advisory board of respected physicians and nutritionists, including Sheri Colberg-Ochs — Type 1diabetic, professor, and author of many well-respected books including The Diabetic Athlete’s Handbook. She is now Director of Exercise Physiology for Insulite Labs. She shares her thoughts on the Insulite Diabetes Advanced Management System:
“I believe Insulite Labs’ program has all of the elements to finally allow people to effectively control and (sometimes) reverse diabetes. I myself have counseled thousands of people with pre-diabetes, type 1 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes through my books and lectures about how to improve insulin action through physical activity, a healthy diet, and other lifestyle changes. Sadly, despite good intentions, many people have trouble sustaining such lifestyle changes; they end up reverting back to poorer blood sugar control and facing diabetes-related health complications over time. Insulite Labs is the first to offer a comprehensive program that I truly believe can help people with any type of diabetes effectively manage their disease for a lifetime and live a long, healthy, and complication-free life.”
While their Diabetes Advanced Management System (aka “the Makeover”) is brand-new, Insulite Labs provides some testimony from people they’ve coached with other related conditions, like Pre-Diabetes:
“Ever since I started the Insulite Pre-Diabetes System my blood glucose levels dropped 15%. It’s reassuring to know that there is help for me and other people with Pre-Diabetes.” - WJW, Honolulu, HI
“I have been on the Insulite System for approx 3 months. I have lost 33 lbs, my liver functions are normal and my A1C came back at 5.1, down from 8.03 months ago. I was taking 10 Glucovance pills daily, now I take only 2 pills in the AM. My blood sugar is normal, my energy is higher than it has been in years and I feel great. Insulite along with a change in my diet has changed my life. I tell everyone that asks me what I have done to change my life, about the Insulite program.” - Marta Garcia, Santa Ana, CA
To read up on Insulite Labs, you can check out their new website HERE. 
Ready for your chance to overhaul your diabetes regime?
Just email a short essay – no longer than 500 words please! – about your New Year’s Resolution and why you think you are the most suitable candidate for this program. By submitting, you also agree to allow us to publish portions of your essay here in the event that you win.
In addition, we’ll be asking winners to share their progress here at DiabetesMine throughout their three-month experience: What’s this new program like? Do the winners feel their approach to diabetes care being refreshed and rejuvenated? Will they finally fulfill their New Year’s Resolutions? You’ll have to tune in…
The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, February 10 – so don’t delay! Email your essays to me HERE. Members of the Insulite team and I will be selecting three winners, to be announced on Feb. 17, 2009. Best of luck for a fresh start in 2009!
[Editor's Note: I wanted to point out that this contest ties in very nicely with Landileigh's just-launched Biggest Loser - 'D' Style initiative; I hope some of those folks will enter to win the free coaching!]
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Am I ready for a chance to overhaul my diabetes regime?
Yes I am! Ever since June 11, 2008—the date of diagnosis for type II diabetes—life has been filled with scores of uncertainties. Being preoccupied with haunting thoughts of relatives loosing their eyesight (2), eyes (1), limbs (1), or worse—going into kidney failure (1)—is a mainstay for me. By the way, most of the generation of relatives that came before me is deceased, due to complications with diabetes, cancer, or heart failure. I have already had my share of scares with cancer, now diabetes?
When attending a function hosted by one of my relatives, one could count on meeting several overweight people. My family has a fixation on delicious fat-filled, sugary, or starchy foods. With all of the diabetics in the family, one would think that the inclusion of a diabetic friendly version of the Sweet Potato Pie would have been included by now, but no.
Once upon a time, my daily regimen was simply: two doses of Ferrous Sulfate 325mg. My diabetic regimen began with the following medications:
1. Metformin (500mg), twice daily
2. Ferrous Sulfate 325, twice daily
After my healthcare provider’s noticed that my readings were still high, my daily regimen was revised, yet again: the Metformin was increased and additional medications were necessary:
1. 1000mg of Metformin, twice daily
2. Ferrous Sulfate 325, twice daily
3. Glimepiride 2mg, once daily
4. Nicoderm CL 4mg, one patch daily (no success)
Since beginning what I call “the diabetic diet,” I have enjoyed a 25lb weight loss.
Thankfully, my glucose readings average around 156 on a daily basis (after a meal) and 103 before the medication. Therefore, the diet was successful; however, I am still experiencing a sluggish metabolism and extreme hunger.
My New Years resolution was to take even better care of my health through diet (diabetic), exercise, and to become a non-smoker (cigarettes). However, I am extremely busy and I cannot just pick-up and go to the gym whenever I so desired. Still, type II diabetes has saved my life from the long list of other diseases to which my family is plagued. Winning the “Diabetic Makeover” challenge would create a special atmosphere for healthy living, as I would be motivated to do even more.
Respectfully Yours;
Posted by: Theda "Deedy" Wallace | January 25th, 2009 at 6:06 pmTheda L. “Deedy” Wallace
Am I ready for a chance to overhaul my diabetes regime?
Yes I am! Ever since June 11, 2008—the date of diagnosis for type II diabetes—life has been filled with scores of uncertainties. Being preoccupied with haunting thoughts of relatives loosing their eyesight (2), eyes (1), limbs (1), or worse—going into kidney failure (1)—is a mainstay for me. By the way, most of the generation of relatives that came before me is deceased, due to complications with diabetes, cancer, or heart failure. I have already had my share of scares with cancer, now diabetes?
When attending a function hosted by one of my relatives, one could count on meeting several overweight people. My family has a fixation on delicious fat-filled, sugary, or starchy foods. With all of the diabetics in the family, one would think that the inclusion of a diabetic friendly version of the Sweet Potato Pie would have been included by now, but no.
Once upon a time, my daily regimen was simply: two doses of Ferrous Sulfate 325mg. My diabetic regimen began with the following medications:
1. Metformin (500mg), twice daily
2. Ferrous Sulfate 325, twice daily
After my healthcare provider’s noticed that my readings were still high, my daily regimen was revised, yet again: the Metformin was increased and additional medications were necessary:
1. 1000mg of Metformin, twice daily
2. Ferrous Sulfate 325, twice daily
3. Glimepiride 2mg, once daily
4. Nicoderm CL 4mg, one patch daily (no success)
Since beginning what I call “the diabetic diet,” I have enjoyed a 25lb weight loss.
Thankfully, my glucose readings average around 156 on a daily basis (after a meal) and 103 before the medication. Therefore, the diet was successful; however, I am still experiencing a sluggish metabolism and extreme hunger.
My New Years resolution was to take even better care of my health through diet (diabetic), exercise, and to become a non-smoker (cigarettes). However, I am extremely busy and I cannot just pick-up and go to the gym whenever I so desired. Still, type II diabetes has saved my life from the long list of other diseases to which my family is plagued. Winning the “Diabetic Makeover” challenge would create a special atmosphere for healthy living, as I would be motivated to do even more.
Respectfully Yours;
Posted by: Theda "Deedy" Wallace | January 25th, 2009 at 6:06 pmTheda L. “Deedy” Wallace
I have type 2 Diabeties. I am considered morbidly obease with my weight around 205. I’m only 5ft. 3in.tall and am feeling like a beached whale. My back hurts my legs and feet hurt and food is my comfort. I do not have a good support system with my family as most of them are badley overweight also. My daughter is also very overweight but is allways biting me to lose weight. I even went and got on the list for the surgery but was told by a different doctor that They don’t have any idea how bad the comlacations will be later for me, and said it was not a good thing for me to do.
I’m on a fixed income and can’t afford all the different diet places to join and pay for the diet.
Oh I am just shy of 56 years old and feel like 150lbs
Posted by: Colleen Levinski | February 1st, 2009 at 9:12 amCan you help me? Please
20 years of type 1 have changed me from a healthy, energetic, good looking (if I may say so) woman to a listless 20 lbs overweight clod. despite tweaking the pump , fine tuning, exercise, watching diet etc, my blood sugars are consistently inconsistent. Way high, way low, and sometimes normal. But never the same 2 days in a row. Desp[ite testing 12 times a day.
Posted by: Suzy Cohn | February 1st, 2009 at 8:21 pmEven my diab doctor doesn’t know what to do with me any more .
Resolution – to go from being Diabetes’ biggest loser to a respectably healthy woman living with it – and to keep the upper hand in the daily battle.
*** THIS POST AND CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED FOR SUBMISSIONS. THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING! ***
Posted by: AmyT | February 11th, 2009 at 6:21 am