### Tina Marcus's Journey to Remission of Type 2 Diabetes Tina Marcus, at the age of 55, managed to put her type 2 diabetes into remission by following the Atkins diet, which limits carbohydrate intake to between 30 and 50 grams per day. Over the course of two years, she lost more than 120 pounds and brought her A1C levels down to prediabetes status. Her success was not due to any magic pill but rather sheer willpower, a consistent exercise routine, and a low-carb eating plan. Marcus, who works as a church office manager in Arlington, Virginia, realized that her weight of 260 pounds was detrimental to her health and diabetes management. Extra weight can increase insulin resistance, making it harder to control blood sugar levels. Her journey began after a doctor's appointment in January 2016, where she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes with an A1C level of 11. Instead of immediately starting medication, she asked for a couple of months to try and turn things around on her own. Marcus started exercising and drastically changed her diet, removing unhealthy foods from her kitchen. She found a solution in a home-food-delivery service called Diet-to-Go, which provides low-carb meals that meet American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines. Initially, she used the service for lunch and dinner while preparing her own breakfast and snacks. Over time, she transitioned to making her own portion-controlled, vegetable-filled lunches. The Atkins diet, which she followed, starts with keeping carbs below 20 grams per day and gradually increases the intake as the body adjusts. Today, Marcus weighs 140 pounds, and her A1C level is 5.7, indicating prediabetes. Her transformation was so significant that friends sometimes didn't recognize her. Marcus emphasizes that avoiding sugary and starchy foods required a lot of willpower and preplanning, especially when dining out. She also started going to the gym three times a week and hired a personal trainer. Her dedication paid off, and she even tried new activities like paddle-boarding and kayaking. Despite the challenges, especially during holidays, Marcus maintained a healthy balance and allowed herself occasional indulgences. Her doctor was amazed by her progress, noting that she had never seen anyone turn their condition around like Marcus did. Marcus attributes her success to her strong willpower and dedication to her health. ### Key Takeaways - Low-carb diets like Atkins can help manage type 2 diabetes. - Consistent exercise is crucial for diabetes management. - Willpower and dedication are essential for long-term success. - Professional guidance and support can make a significant difference.