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THE AMERICAN CLUB
NOV / DEC 2017
Those who frequent the Gym will find Desmond a familiar
sight. Desmond joined The Club 17 years ago and has
been personal trainer to many Members over the years.
On request, he also provides myofascial release – an
alternative medicine therapy that treats skeletal muscle
immobility and pain.
With a family history of high blood pressure and diabetes,
the 57-year-old fitness enthusiast has been living with Type
2 diabetes for the past 20 years. He had hitherto managed
his condition with oral medication.
In 2008, Desmond underwent an angiogram, only to
make an unsettling discovery – one of his arteries was 65%
blocked and the other was 75% blocked. His treatment
plan consisted of medication, without invasive surgery, to
manage the condition. Earlier this year however, he suffered
a heart attack – no less on the fourth day of Chinese New
Year. He was admitted to hospital for an emergency double
coronary artery bypass surgery.
DESMOND’S
journey to recovery
Recovery
Since the successful bypass surgery, Desmond has
completed these treatments and changes over the span
of 3 months:
• Four shots of insulin daily
• Rehabilitation training
o 7 hours of cardio per week, walking on an
inclined treadmill starting at 5km/h and gradient 5,
and gradually moving up to 6.3 km/h at gradient
15, for an hour each time
• Weight loss
o Embarking on a diet to help insulin sensitivity,
consisting of 65% carbohydrates (food with high
fiber and grains) and 30% protein (no oil, lean
meats only)
o This has resulted in his overall weight loss of 24kg,
and a drop in body fat percentage from 25% to
13% (his goal is to reach 10%)
Desmond is now recovering well and has resumed his
duties as a personal trainer at The Club. His story serves as
a cautionary tale to eat healthy, stay healthy, train hard
and sensibly!
What is diabetes?
A common misconception
is that obesity or ingesting
copious amounts of sugar
leads to diabetes. Diabetes is
however caused by genetics
more than any other factor.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized
by insulin resistance, caused
by the storage of fat in tissues
that are not designed to store
fat. It is irreversible, but can
be improved through diet
changes. Type 2 diabetes, on
the other hand, is reversible
through a diet of organic foods.
BEFORE
AFTER