I went to the Weimar program in November 2013. I was off all medication except for my thyroid meds. For six months I followed the plant-based diet without cheating one bit. I walked three miles every day and my blood sugar stayed in normal range. Not only that, but I was 76 years old and felt like I was in my late forties, early fifties again. I had so much energy it was unbelievable.

However, my mom became very ill and I had to take care of her. Since I was just learning the plant-based recipes and it took me a long time to prepare and cook them, I then modified the diet to include some dairy products but stayed away from all meats. Since I was busy taking care of Mom, I didn’t have time to walk. So I quit doing my three miles a day.

I did okay for another six months, but then I went back to eating more sugar and meats on rare occasions and my sugars kept going up. I finally had to go back on medication.

Since my mother passed away two years ago, I have been trying to get back on my complete plant-based diet. When I follow it for a few days, I can decrease or not take medication. It has been difficult getting back on it completely only because I have serious problems with my back and can’t stand long enough to prepare the foods. I can honestly say, as long as I follow the diet, my blood sugars stay within normal range.

Going to Weimar was the best thing I ever did to control my blood sugar.

Oh, one other thing: I was in stage three kidney failure when I went on the program, and after the 18-day program I was down to second stage. Dr. DeRose said if I stayed on the program I would go down to zero kidney failure. I am pleased to report I am no longer in kidney failure. [February 8, 2017]

Jean Teresa Daino