Joining us as guest blogger is Jill Knapp. Jill is from Idaho, where she lost 100 pounds after being diagnosed with gestational diabetes while pregnant. Today, she manages her diabetes with diet and exercise and without medication. Jill’s goal is to keep generating awareness about Type 2 diabetes and encouraging others to “Get Up and Get Moving.” I competed in the Mrs. Idaho pageant, made the top 5 and the reason I competed is to spread my message more.
Jill Knapp: Before/After Losing 100 Pounds
Like many other pregnant mothers, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes when I had my last child at age 37. I was suffering from fatigue and headaches after childbirth. My son was born very ill and I thought my own health symptoms were just the result of taking care of a sick newborn. My husband encouraged me to go see my doctor to find out what was causing the headaches. After taking a few tests, I was confirmed as a Type 2 diabetic.
Like anyone else hearing this new for the first time, I was in shock. It took about 24 hours for me to establish an action plan as I did not want this for myself nor for my family. So I gradually began to exercise and eat six small meals a day. Over time, I lost 100 pounds and successfully brought my diabetes under control.
Today, I am a diabetes advocate, speaking publicly at health fairs, schools, youth groups and gyms sharing my journey and encouraging others to lead a healthier lifestyle. I also established my own website to educate others about Type 2 diabetes as I find great joy in motivating others to reach their health goals. I am a strong advocate of making lifestyle changes rather than following fad diets and I strongly encourage others to “Get Up and Get Moving.”
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June 27th, 2009
User Feedback
(Page 1 of 1, 13 total comments)karen walker
Inspiring,touching and loved this article
posted Nov 2nd, 2009 9:58 pmCathy
I liked this!
posted Sep 9th, 2009 2:00 pmBella
loved her blog and need to go now. Running to the Gym.
posted Sep 3rd, 2009 11:32 amLauren
Very Inspiring.
posted Aug 26th, 2009 8:33 pmRegards,
Lauren
Abigail
She has been though so much to get wher she is at. Thanks for this post.
posted Aug 20th, 2009 9:41 pmBobbi Sanders
Pound per pound off. What an inspiration. OK, I am headed to the gym after reading this.
posted Aug 17th, 2009 5:48 pmThanks for the great message.
Carmen
Inspiring message. heard the whole podcast from her site. To end up doing a pageant must have been a wonderful feeling after losing all of that weight.
posted Aug 8th, 2009 1:01 pmRonda
I loved her blog and her story! Simply inspiring. I may just have to lose that much weight and make a pageant my goal! Loved the podcast that was ran from a site on her blog for woman over 40.
posted Aug 2nd, 2009 12:11 amTammy
My job is to help woman so I loved this message. It's nice to see that someone with diabetes or any illness for that matter takes it upon themselves to share with others how to change and grow from having it.
posted Jul 24th, 2009 10:19 pmVikas
Very inspirational Blog for the women suffering from overweigh and diabetes. Love to read more of such inspiring incidents.
posted Jul 22nd, 2009 2:00 amRegards
Diet Consultant
Tonya
Wonderful message. I found her site to be full of wonderful inspiration and information.
posted Jul 20th, 2009 9:06 pmSamatha
Loved that she did this without any pills or surgery. I am very inspired. Ready to lose some weight my self!
posted Jul 14th, 2009 3:03 pmGreat blogger!
Larin
Jill is such an amazing woman. I am proud she is my sister! Good job Jill, you are an inspiration to so many.
posted Jul 6th, 2009 11:19 am