Sharon White
Thank you for making such a wonderful product. It is truly a lifesaver for me.
My husband and I purchased a Model C for our daughter several years ago when she was rowing in school. I ended up using it most since it arrived and must admit sometimes it gathered a little dust. One weekend in January, I decided to buy a glucose meter and check my blood sugars because I realized I was a bit thirstier than normal and figured it might be a good idea to have a backup monitor in case my mom ever forgot to bring hers to family functions. My glucose reading was very high and I clearly had diabetes—no question.—The week between actual clinical testing and having insulin prescribed, I was better able to lower my sugar by rowing than I could have by dieting alone. Eliminating all carbs was simply not enough to keep my glucose levels below 200.
I have since discovered that I can consistently lower my glucose 50 points for every 10 minutes I row at my typical slow pace. A 30 minute row will cut 150 points for me vs. walking at a brisk pace which only lowers it about 40–45. I'd rather row. I do have to be careful about testing before I start and make sure to adjust my time on the rower depending on my glucose levels.
I recommend rowing every time diabetes comes up in conversation with my doctors and other diabetics. I don't think most of them realize just how much more effective rowing is at lowering sugar levels than other forms of exercise. In fact, I am about to send a link to your website to a diabetic friend to encourage them to consider purchasing one.
Thanks again for a great product!
And 6 months later: I am happy to report as a follow-up that my A1C levels dropped from a high of close to 12 (way out of the normal range) at diagnosis to maintaining the ADA target of less than 7 since then. Concept2 helped get me there. The A1C test is indicative of glucose averages over the previous 2 to 3 months.