I need help with diet. I have had diabetes several years and didn't have trouble with my A1c till recently. I don't like the things on the diet. I hate chicken or anything that ever had a feather on it, nor do I like eggs or fish. I can eat very small amounts of them, just not every week. Since I live where it is cold in the winter, I can't seem to exercise, there for, I have gained weight this winter. I will be having my A1c test at the end of the month and I just know it will be high. It was 7.0 the last time and I was warned to bring it down by walking. I have walked some in decent weather. Now with snow and ice, I can't.

I do have a stationary bike and don't use it like I should. I have leg spasms if I walk very long and don't know what to do about that. My husband passed away about 1 1/2 yrs ago and I am dealing with depression too. I have been on three kinds of pills for the diabetes & am now on Actos. The others done nothing for me. I am kinda afraid doc will put me on insulin. I am always thirsty, weak, tired, and hungry. Does anyone have any ideas of food that might help me? I just know I can't keep going on like this. thanks for the help.
Fancylady

I have some natural ideas for you.

First is cinnamon. There have been some great articles about the benefits of using cinnamon to help control blood sugar. I use it on applesauce but I also put a cinnamon stick in my herbal tea every day.

There are even some cinnamon supplements out there that are good too.

Here is a link to a recent article

http://www.topix.net/health/2008/02/...-from-cinnamon

And one of the members Wasabi had a thread about diabetes.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread15584.html

And vitamin D helps control insulin so make sure to supplement with it. Plus based on where you live if you dont get outside much because of the winter you could be deficient in Vitamin d. Make sure to get vitamin D3 its the best.

I'll try to think of more things for you.

Thanks Shelley, I can use all the help I can get. I don't want the shots if I can help it. Doc has already mentioned it. I haven't gained any weight lately, but I can't lose either.
Billie

I also know of a new supplement that you might be able to get over the internet but I would recommend talking to your doctor about it first.

Its called Insinase by Metagenics.

Here is a link.

http://www.metagenics.com/products/detail.asp?pid=292

Oh and some folks in the PN forum swear by R-lipoic acid supplement to help with Diabetes. You can get that online from I herb.

Here is a link on R-lipoic acid. I buy the one from Biochem.

http://www.raysahelian.com/lipoic.html

I am taking notes on all this, but may need to ask my Dr., for I am on 8 scripts. Thanks Shelley.

The ACCORD study just found an increased death rate in forcing diabetics below A1c of 7. The new target is 7 to 7.5 for safety.

Other things that will bring down blood sugar are:
R-lipoic acid (very strong-- can interfere with meds)
and Chromium supplements. You need at least 400mcg of this.

Cinnamon works too. You have to take at least 2 grams or more a day however.

What really affects A1c values is the spike of blood sugar after meals. So keeping meals small, with low glycemic carbs helps.
You can use Tinkyada brown rice pasta to help with pasta issues. This is much better for blood sugar than regular pasta. And keep the servings small.

Any supplement you try, you have to be very careful, and not go into a hypoglycemic state. The R-lipoic acid is very strong, so monitor your blood sugar and tell your doctor you are going to do it. I would start at 50mg a day in the morning only.
Alpha lipoic acid is the same only less potent, weaker.
Here is an article on it:
http://www.raysahelian.com/lipoic.html

The r-lipoic is the active form found in Alpha lipoic acid and is really strong.
I am using 100mg a day in the morning, for my neuropathy. I noticed a very obvious change in hunger, (reduced) and blood sugar during the day. Mine has been creeping up unfortunately, but now the r-lipoic has changed that.
iherb.com has many to choose from, that are very affordable.

Wow MrsD...2 grams of cinnamon for an effect. I might as well just move into a cinnabon then

in fact it is 2gram to 6gram a day!

That is why I offer the r-lipoic... this is really effective!

Hey there, Fancylady!!! I was dx'ed almost 2 years ago with type2. I am still having a problem even though I have a mother that has hers so in control!! My Mom goes to the diabetic clinic here in Canada and a dietian and nurse moniter her. She also has a specialist that she sees every few mnths. Exercise has always been a big part of her diabetes but the combinations of foods are very important. You need to watch your portions of carbs and must have a protein along with it!! When I eat my oatmeal in the AM I do not like it but I eat a chunk of cheese with it! I do believe that if you go to the American Diabetes Association you would get some great information. Also, our own Melody could give you some great advise...she always helps me out! Good Luck, Fancylady!!