My grandfather, father and brother all were diabetics, all from bad diets and lifestyles.
In June of this year I had open heart surgery, I was born with something called a bicuspid aortic valve, approximately 2% of the public is born with this birth defect and 80% of bicuspid aortic valve sufferers have some type of surgery in their life to repair the valve.
A bicuspid valve causes other issues, in my case I had an aortic aneurysm which got repaired at the same time as the valve replacement, ultimately, I had to have a pacemaker implanted at the same time as the open-heart surgery.
Two additional things I learned in the hospital, I was told I was not a prediabetic and showed no signs of becoming one and my coronary arteries were clear, and my cholesterol levels were all in the good range.
As I told another poster, the single best thing I did in recovery was cardiac rehab which consisted of 24 one-hour sessions of supervised exercise and diet counseling. After cardiac rehab I joined the YMCA to continue the exercise program.
I now work out at the YMCA 3 times a week and walk 5 miles 3 times a week, since June I’ve lost 30 pounds all without drugs.
You’re absolutely right, what worked for me my not work for anyone else, but simple lifestyle changes which consist of exercise and a better diet can only help and it’s far cheaper than a pharmaceutical solution in many cases.
To me, family heritage counts as much as environment. Death certificates outside the immediate family for your ancestors can be a big help showing what natural problems will possibly crop up and letting the doctor to be warned to keep a closer eye on those issues. Stroke runs in our family and I’ve already had one carotid artery roto-rooted. With luck, won’t need the other side done.
Your surgery was a BIG deal. So glad they kept their eye on it and that they got everything done at once. May that be the end of your serious problems.