Club Magazine Nov/Dec 2017

DESMOND’S journey to recovery Recovery

Those who frequent the Gym will find Desmond a familiar sight. Desmond joined The Club 17 years ago and has been personal trainer to many Members over the years. On request, he also provides myofascial release – an alternative medicine therapy that treats skeletal muscle immobility and pain. With a family history of high blood pressure and diabetes, the 57-year-old fitness enthusiast has been living with Type 2 diabetes for the past 20 years. He had hitherto managed his condition with oral medication. In 2008, Desmond underwent an angiogram, only to make an unsettling discovery – one of his arteries was 65% blocked and the other was 75% blocked. His treatment plan consisted of medication, without invasive surgery, to manage the condition. Earlier this year however, he suffered a heart attack – no less on the fourth day of Chinese New Year. He was admitted to hospital for an emergency double coronary artery bypass surgery.

Since the successful bypass surgery, Desmond has completed these treatments and changes over the span of 3 months:

• Four shots of insulin daily • Rehabilitation training

o 7 hours of cardio per week, walking on an inclined treadmill starting at 5km/h and gradient 5, and gradually moving up to 6.3 km/h at gradient 15, for an hour each time • Weight loss o Embarking on a diet to help insulin sensitivity, consisting of 65% carbohydrates (food with high fiber and grains) and 30% protein (no oil, lean meats only) o This has resulted in his overall weight loss of 24kg, and a drop in body fat percentage from 25% to 13% (his goal is to reach 10%) Desmond is now recovering well and has resumed his duties as a personal trainer at The Club. His story serves as a cautionary tale to eat healthy, stay healthy, train hard and sensibly!

What is diabetes? A common misconception is that obesity or ingesting copious amounts of sugar leads to diabetes. Diabetes is however caused by genetics more than any other factor. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, caused by the storage of fat in tissues that are not designed to store fat. It is irreversible, but can be improved through diet changes. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is reversible through a diet of organic foods.

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AFTER

46 THE AMERICAN CLUB NOV / DEC 2017