Exercise, diet aids type 2 diabetes patient

ARDMORE — Sam West joined millions of other Americans when he was diagnosed with diabetes in 1997. But unlike some, the former Carter County assessor was willing to make a major lifestyle change that has allowed him to remain medication-free.

West, 73, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

West said he was beginning to display some of the early signs of the disease when he first went to the doctor. His blood sugar reading was over 300, and he was officially diagnosed as a diabetic.

His first doctor prescribed medication and exercise, but when his blood sugar fell too low, West went to a specialist who recommended he ditch the pills and commit to a regimen of exercise and a healthy diet. West took the advice to heart and then some.

"I’m addicted to exercise,” he said. "If I don’t work out two hours a day, I feel guilty.”

Ardmore internist Dr. Brian Shockey sees a lot of diabetic patients and while many of them need medication and insulin to control their condition, others can keep the disease in check without drugs if they are willing to alter the way they live.

Not every diabetic can become totally medication-free and a doctor is vital to any diabetic’s plan.