November’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast guest, Vanessa Hunter lost over 200 pounds and has successfully maintained her incredible weight loss for over 10 years. The self-proclaimed ‘VIP of Diabetes’ shares her journey and advice for others interested in transforming their diabetes health exclusively with Divabetic:

Q: Describe your lifestyle before you began your weight loss journey? (Habits, work schedule, other priorities in your life, activity level, meals, etc.) 

Vanessa’s reply: Prior to losing weight I worked as a sales manager job for Verizon. I was an over achiever and commuted to a job with days that lasted 10-12 hours. I ate fast food and I didn’t have an exercise routine. 

Q: Have you tried to lose weight in the past? Please describe what stopped you. 

Vanessa’s reply: I had a serious food addiction and it prevented me from ever trying to lose weight. Combined with no desire to exercise, I had little to no hope of ever losing a pound. 

Q: What triggered this weigh loss? Did any celebrities inspire you?Vanessa’s reply: Waking up sick triggered my health transformation. It was apparent to many people that I represented an extreme health risk; I had all the signs of poor health. Oprah, Jennifer Hudson, Monique and Beyonce inspired me. Halli Berry who is living with diabetes inspired me too. 

Q: What were your initial thoughts when were you first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes? 

Vanessa’s reply:  I had a 24-hour warning before I went to the ER for the big diagnosis in March 2010. When I woke up several days after admission, I was so grateful to be alive that my initial thoughts were – I’M NOT GOING TO LET FOOD KILL ME, I PROMISE. 

Q: How did or does your type 2 diabetes factor into your decision to lose weight? 

Vanessa’s reply: It played a major role in my desire to lose weight – I was under the impression that I could reverse my diabetes, so I went to the extreme to follow the rules, keep to the routine and find new activities to move my body. I lost 100 lbs. right before my co-workers’ eyes. 

Q: Describe some obstacles in your weight loss journey and tell us how you managed to overcome them.

Vanessa’s reply: Obstacle #1 – Learning how to eat:  the routine, the meal prep, the carb counting and more. I overcame this by doing research and reading everything I could find that related to my self-care journey.Obstacle #2 – Dealing with complications from diabetes. In my case it was gastro issues.I have yet to overcome the fact that my diet is limited, and fruits/veggies create sensitivity that leads to DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis). 

Q: Share some tips that have worked for you to lose weight and 1-3 tips to maintain your weight loss ·        

Vanessa’s reply: Drink lots of water, Walk after each meal,  Meal Prep – better to be ready than to get ready!

Q: What advice would you give to someone who living with type 2 diabetes seeking to lose weight? 

Vanessa’s reply: My advice is to know the carb limit of your diet, keep to a routine and seek help when you hit the wall. 

Q: The holiday season is just around the corner. What tools do you use to navigate the holidays and stay on track with your health? 

Vanessa’s reply: ‘Tis the season to be jolly. That means we get to be the life of the party, not eat the life out of the party! Stay on track, enjoy the company, make memories, and avoid the illness. 

Q: Tell us about the organization(s) you are involved in the diabetes community. What’s your goal? How did your October program go? What’s ahead? 

Vanessa’s reply: My group, VIP of Diabetes has collaborations with Retina Risk – an app designed to protect our vision. We also collaborate with GlucoseZone for exercises specifically for people living with diabetes. I am a guest panelist monthly, and the next seminar is 11/23, 10-12noon at Mt. Airy United Fellowship, 701 W Johnson St @ Walnut Lane Circle. I actively volunteer for both The American Heart and American Diabetes Associations in Philadelphia. My website is www.vipofdiabetes.org and please follow me on Instagram @ness4wellness, all questions, invites, comments can be sent to vipofdiabetes@gmail.com

Q: Where do you turn to for online support? 

Vanessa’s reply: Divabetic on Facebook of course. Online support provides daily inspiration, direction, answers questions, and lots more. Story: A client recently asked advice on meal plans and daily routines, due to an A1C over 11. Before our journey could begin, we needed to address the underlying reason for the spiral. Once identified the diet has been modified, and with a new outlook on exercise and compliance routines we are off to the makings of a successful wellness journey.

We’re sharing amazing Weight Loss Journeys & Helpful Ways to overcome fears related to Hypoglycemia with guests: Vanessa Hunter, Dr. Wendy Rapaport PsyD, Dr. Stewart Harris, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, and Autumn Reed on Novembers’ Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Jennifer Hudson

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