CK鈥檚 parents both lived with diabetes, and he witnessed firsthand how the disease can impact life. As he grew older, he assumed it was only a matter of time before it became part of his life. 鈥淚t was just a matter of when. It always lingered on my mind,鈥� CK says. He was content working out vigorously and staying in shape as a way to keep diabetes away. 鈥淚 was doing all of these great workouts, like half marathons and long hikes, but my numbers were not under control,鈥� recalls CK. His A1C levels were consistently in the pre-diabetic range. That is, until one day after finishing a major hike when a friend told him about the new STOP-D program at the .
The program was created to help people like CK 鈥� those who want to stop diabetes before the disease even begins. At his friend鈥檚 urging, CK signed up and became a participant. It didn鈥檛 take long to make him a believer. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a very hands-on approach. The monthly sessions with the coaches are a great way to get feedback and to be held accountable to your goals as well,鈥� he says.
Specifically, CK became focused on finding a balance of MEDS: Meditation, Exercise, Diet and Sleep. As an avid runner, CK had a good handle on exercise. And by working closely with the STOP-D program鈥檚 dietitian, he is getting a better feel for the diet that works best for him. CK finds his challenge is in getting more meditation and sleep into his life. 鈥淢y wife meditates on a regular basis, so her practice has influenced me and helped me. Plus when I run, I am focused on my thoughts and breathing, so that too is a very mindful experience,鈥� CK comments. He also makes it a point to get seven hours of sleep, whereas he previously was satisfied with five or six hours. Putting the entire picture together has helped CK a great deal: 鈥淲hen you start adding all these pieces together, clearly it鈥檚 the reason why I鈥檓 on a better path.鈥�
Diabetes is a complex health-related issue for people from India and South Asia. In CK鈥檚 eyes, the STOP-D program plays a critical role for South Asians in Silicon Valley. 鈥淭he most valuable aspect of the program is the coaching and recommendations specifically for you. It鈥檚 a phenomenal team,鈥� he says.
With the achievement of several half marathons and now a full marathon under his belt, CK has turned his attention to a more daunting challenge: a 50-kilometer race. He thinks it has all been possible thanks in large part to the South Asian Heart Center. In his own words, 鈥淭his program has just been a phenomenal experience for me.鈥�
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