Back in 1984 I found out I had Type 2 diabetes and was told to lose weight. I lost 100 lbs. and kept most of it off ever since. I got down to 108, which is at the low end of the normal weight range for my height and body type.

For a few years my weight crept up to around 125 but it was still in the normal range. Now I'm at 112 and hoping to get back to around 108.

I felt much better after losing the excess weight. Less tired, better mobility.

I'd recommend Weight Watchers though I tried it for just a short time and only in its online version. I've heard good reports about it.

I've been on a diabetic diet since 1984. I no longer eat meat though that's not something diabetics have to do.

For the first 10 years or so after 1984, I ate only a little meat--2 oz. of hamburger once a week and sometimes a couple of chicken drumsticks cooked in the oven.

Gradually I gave up on meat and can't say I miss it. I sometimes do have seafood, like shrimp or tuna though.

I try not to eat too much protein (I've had kidney stones) or fat (my cholesterol has been borderline sometimes but usually it's OK).

I always do well on the HbA1C test that diabetics get to see if they've been keeping their glucose under control, and my blood pressure is always low.

Diet really does matter with MS, I think. Counting calories every day is a nuisance but I'm still doing it. It's way too easy to eat when you mostly sit around.