YOU ARE HERE!

Imagine this Scenario- - You are blindfolded and driven to a drop-off point. Your objective is to quickly find your way to the corner of Health & E. What’s the first step you’ll need to take before getting to where you need to be? You’ll need to figure out where you are!

The same is true when it comes to either preventing or developing diabetes. You have to know where you are, and read the signs, to determine where you are going.

Imagine that your life has a map filled with dirt paths, side roads, short cuts, main streets, highways, and tollways. These roads can merge and intersect and lead you through your life’s journey.

On this “life map”, there are several on-ramps for the prediabetes highway (PDH). Avoid being steered in this direction! It may look like a popular and well traveled path, but it will take you in the opposite direction of your desired location.

Sometimes, you may get forced onto the PDH by Age and Ethnicity, or be led in that direction because of Family History and Weight Gain. However, if you make smart decisions, you can avoid the short cuts leading to the PDH, which are typically known as Elevated Blood Sugar, Elevated A1c, Elevated Blood Pressure, and Elevated Cholesterol.

Once on the PDH, there are frequent turn-arounds like Healthy Food Choices, Exercise, and Weight Loss that will allow you to exit and re-enter the express way towards the preferred destination, Health & E .

The longer you stay on the PDH, the fewer opportunities there will be to exit. Instead, you’ll find yourself in cruise control towards the type 2 diabetes (T2D) tollway; which is the quickest route to blindness, heart attack, stroke, amputations, kidney failure, and death.

Given the description of the map above, would you be able to pin-point your whereabouts? Before you place the “YOU ARE HERE” marker on your life map, consider these 3 things:

1- The beginning of the map begins with birth, and the rest of the journey is dictated by both genetics and lifestyle choices. If you are over the age of 30 and eat the typical American diet, you may want to move your marker a little closer to the PDH.

2- Many of the factors that contribute to weight gain can also lead to elevated blood sugar, A1c, blood pressure, and cholesterol. These conditions can increase the rate in which a person develops prediabetes and diabetes. So, don’t make assumptions; know your numbers!

3- Most of the 57 million Americans with prediabetes are unaware that they currently have this condition and are at risk of developing full-blown diabetes. No news is not necessarily good news. Talk to your doctor about your risk of developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Early detection provides you with the opportunity to reverse prediabetes and regain your health.

Your life has a map, and the compass is known as an A1c test.

Getting an A1c test is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. This test gives you an opportunity to look at your health from a very unusual perspective. It gives you a "snap shot" of what is happening inside your body.

Using your A1c test results, the Skinny Gene Project will provide you with an individualized "health map" (for educational purposes only). You will be able to clearly see where you are, where you have come from, and in what direction you are heading. With this information, you will be able to determine your risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. Order an A1c!

You can prevent diabetes, but you have to catch it before it is too late! CLICK HERE to learn more.

In honor of Diabetes Awareness Month, make the commitment to schedule an appointment with your physician and find out your risk of developing prediabetes and diabetes. Keep a record of your weight, blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. If any of these numbers are elevated, take immediate action.

If you do not have insurance or access to a primary care physician, but would like to find out if you may be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, please contact the Skinny Gene Project at 1-888-500-2344 ext 2.

* NOTE: ONLY YOUR DOCTOR CAN DIAGNOSE PREDIABETES AND DIABETES

A True Inspiration

Annie’s Journey to the Finish Line (Skinny Gene Project San Diego)

Saving my life-One step at a time

I DON'T WANT TO DIE and I'm dying. I am this reality. I WANT TO LIVE and I'm living. I am creating this reality.”

Like millions of other Americans, like YOU, I have faced adversity and been forced to hurdle obstacles more times than I can count. Despite every effort to fight, a series of medical conditions overcame my body. Before they were able to diagnose and stop the problem, the damage had been done.

I had to walk away from 10 years of service to the Navy. Images of my shipmates were replaced by the reflection of the overweight woman in the mirror that stared back me, suffocating my spirit and determination until nothing was left.


Alone without my Navy family and without my own family I sank into depression and my health spiraled further out of control. Before I knew it, my mortality became a reality.


The Skinny Gene Project taught me that it is never too late to regain control of my life. Not only am I receiving the tools and resources I need to be successful, this organization gives me tremendous hope and I know I don't have to struggle alone. They support and believe in me, even when I start to lose faith in myself. - Annie

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After becoming a member of the Skinny Gene Project, Annie began working with our Registered Dietitian (Emily) and a physical trainer from Tru Health and Wellness (Craig). With less than 30 pounds to go in losing her first 100 pounds, Annie set her sights on walking in the San Diego Rock n' Roll Marathon.


She trained vigorously for weeks. Then, a few weeks before the event, she fell. Annie injured her knee and was no longer able to compete. This was a devestating blow to Annie. It was happening again!


Several years ago, while in the Navy, Annie was training for the San Diego Marathon and had a horrible bike riding accident. She was immoble for months. This marked the beginning of her weight gain. This time however, Annie was determined to have a different outcome.


Although her knee injury prevented her from participating in any physical activity, she continued to lose weight. She focused on regaining her health ...

AND

Finally, on August 16th, Annie completed her first 5K.

Congratulations Annie! We are so very proud of you!