Busy mother finds time to exercise
Sunshine Masalunga, Filipina, 36
Sunshine Masalunga, 36, mother of two sons aged 14, and a type 2 diabetic has not only managed to reduce her medication but also bring down her HbAIC or glycated haemoglobin, an indicator of blood sugar levels for three months. She works from 8am to 7pm and yet manages to squeeze in a workout at home every day in the evening.
Masalunga was diagnosed with gestational diabetes (GD) while pregnant with her second son, Zion in 2012. She registered a blood sugar level of 200 mgdl (milligram per decalitre), said Dr Zia Ul Hassan consultant endocrinologist at International Modern Hospital and North West Clinic.
“This is a precursor for type 2 diabetes, so I went on a strict diet,” recalled Masalunga. She cut out fried food and started a strict walking schedule during her pregnancy and the GD disappeared after the birth of her son.
“However, soon after I got careless and began to feed my cravings for French-fries and fried chicken, chocolate cakes and all other foods. I got lazy about exercising,” said Masalunga who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2017 as her blood sugar after meals stood at 200mgdl.
“I knew something was wrong as I had this uncontrolled itching on my body at night and was plagued by hunger and thirst pangs. But the diagnosis shocked me and I was determined to get back good health,” said Masalunga who immediately cut back on eating out, included more portions of vegetables and fibre in her diet, even as she began having 500mg of metformin with lunch and dinner.
Slowly and surely with determination, Masalunga completely eliminated her need for medicines after a year bringing her HBA1 C level to 4.4. “The doctor stopped my medicines for some time. Now my HBA1c level is 5.4 and I have been advised metformin 500mg for maintenance only,” she said
“I get up at 5am, prepare breakfast and lunch for my sons, drop them to the school bus at 6.30am, return and get ready to go to work. I carry my brown rice for lunch and choose a healthy vegetable, or lean chicken with salad from the office canteen. I have cut down on all snacks. For a workout, I always take the stairs to work and after I return in the evening, I make it a point to work out at home. I have downloaded many exercise routines and vary them to keep my interest levels up. For dinner I have only a wholemeal sandwich with tuna or vegetables,” said Masalunga.
She loves chocolates and fries and allows herself an occasional treat once a week. “I don’t stop myself and satisfy my craving by having a small portion and that prevents me from bingeing.”
In the last two years Masalunga has lost 8kg. “My BMI is 19.7 and now I feel happy to help others. One of my friends from the US who was recently diagnosed with diabetes called me for advise and based on my own experience I was able to guide her,” said Masalunga.