Are you type 1 or type 2? I am type 2 but insulin dependent, hoping I'll be back to pills only once I loose some 111 lbs (yes, that's 100+ lbs). I was diagnosed when I was 32, I am 45 now. Unfortunately, I was stupid and didn't take care of myself at all for several years. About 2 years ago I decided to get better, and about 1.5 years ago I realilized oral meds weren't enough for me, so I started slow acting insulin. I take some 150+ units now. My fasting level is 4.7 mmol/L (for instance, this morning; that's 84.69 mg/dl). I had a series of complications re my diabetes. Here is my advise:
Stick to your diet plan for diabetes, no carbs (or very little), high nutrient greens (a lot), proteins (w/ low fat), no processed foods (so, use olive and/or avocado oil for instance, use regular 3.5% milk and yogurt; don't use the low fat stuff; not safe), lots of fish, chicken, lean beef. Nuts, seeds. Leave fruits for 1 portion per day. Absolutely no pop/soda, ESPECIALLY DIET SODA!!! It will kill you. It killed me [ http://morshe.com/post/98727476260/diet-coke-no-more ].
Keep the weight down. Watch your gums, your eyes. Keep the gums clean. Walk at least 30 minutes a day, 1 hr is better. Make the time for it.
I wish I had done these years ago myself, but better late than never. It may seem overwhelming, but you need to look at it "one day at a time." Don't worry about tomorrow. Today is all that counts.
Stress is bad. It is terrible. It totally screws up with your blood glucose levels. This is a lifestyle change, and Hakuna Matata should be your philosophy.
Make sure you test fasting levels in the morning and test again before going to bed. Drink lots of water. It's your new religion. I take a glass of Metamucil (the one with no sugar); it helps with weight loss and keeps you full. I drink it at night, but at least 2 hrs BEFORE I take any night meds.
I use Glumetza (2,000 mg) in place of Metformin. It is more expensive but it is slow release, so I take 2,000 w/ breakfast (and my breakfast is low carb) and then I am set for the day. I also take Diamicron MR (60 mg per day). I also take Lipidil ez (for cholesterol and triglycerides).
Visit your docor at least every 120 days and get that blood work done. I do it every 90 days. Take it very seriously. Check your feet regularly.
Again, one day at a time. This may seem overwhelming. Everything is. Take it one day at a time.
I also did a DNA test (which helps me look after a number of issues before they became issues). It indicated I was 38% likely to become diabetes type 2. It even recognized my speech impediment (I stutter). Try it on Black Friday 2014. It will be at its lowest price. I got it for $99 + $45 processing fee. https://www.23andme.com/ (oh, it is $99 now). I recommend this big time. You will learn so much more about yourself and it will help you prevent issues. Imagine if I knew what diabetes was and I was 38% likely to have it. I could have stopped my bad habbits long ago.
I hope this helps. Above all, no stress. Take it one day at a time.
