Most of us T2 diabetics are insulin resistant. It means your body doesn't use the insulin it produces efficiently. We are also likely to have lost some of our beta cell function and those are the cells that produce insulin. A + B = diabetes. Welcome to the club. I'm sure it's one you would rather not have joined. If you are in the early stage of diabetes (what they call pre diabetes), there's a chance of avoiding meds through a good diet and exercises. A low carb diet is beneficial to many pwd (persons with diabetes). Stop the sodas and fruit juices. They're loaded with carbs and you need to save carbs for real food. Get a meter and test your blood glucose at least every day, or as many times as your dr recommends. Cut the whites from your diet. Bread, potatoes, pasta, rice, cereal, processed foods, are mostly off limits. If you like veggies ( I don't), good for you because diabetes is a veggie lovers disease. I'm a carbaholic and changing my eating has been especially hard for me. I eat more salads than I ever used to. I've actually done very well, starting on insulin and now using Bydureon, off all insulin. This year is 3 yrs from dx and my A1c is 5.4, from a starting level of 12.2. There are many like me. Some people started out with meds and did well enough to be able to drop the meds. I want to tell you that diabetes is very adaptable and individual. There is no one size fits all solution. The meds are there to helps us, but we have to find the one that works for us, with the guidance of our medical team. Ask lots of questions, write them down if you need to. Find a diabetes education class. It really helps to learn how this disease works in our bodies and I think this knowledge is important and useful. There IS life with diabetes. We do have to be more careful and aware of our health than before diabetes, but it doesn't have to limit us. Sorry to have made this post so long. Do your research, the internet is a great tool, though sometimes I think the best answers come from other pwd. We are the ones living with it. Take care.

You just have to be careful, with diet, meds, and take your blood sugars.
There is no benefit from cheating, only you suffer. You will be able to work, be with your family, and live a long life.

@A DiabetesTeam Member Hello, I am insulin resistant. To answer "What to do?" Lower your carbohydrate intake (see your Dr or diabetes nutritionist for intake goals), exercise, and lose weight (unless you are already down to your ideal weight or below). I also when on Janumet for a year.

I was diagnosed with an a1c of 14.7, my a1c is down to 5.3 and I am off the meds, I lost weight, cut the carbs, and exercised. Because of the hot weather here in Salt Lake, I haven't been exercising, and my blood sugar is going up. I'm now getting up early to exercise before it gets to hot.

Basically. I did everything my Dr. and diabetes nutritionist suggested I do.

Mentioned Users

A Diabete...

I agree. It is not a one size fit all. Everyone's body is different. Everything we eat or do is different for every single person. Or treatments would work on everyone if we were all the same. So do your research ,make sure you and your doctor are on the same page and can communicate with no problems, and do research. Try different things. And what you eat, when you eat and portion control is very important. Find what works for you. Stick with it. I have been a diabetic since age 9. Most diabetics are in pretty tough shape by now. I have always taken good care of myself. When someone says is that all your going to eat. I just say I don not need a diabetic police politely. I am doing what's best for my diabetes.

Sue.... I enjoyed your story and believe what you have done is amazing.... I'm a type 2 and have been living with an 8.9 Aic for awhile until I got on this trial program called Livongo. I've been doing this for about 30 days now and I had my blood work done a couple weeks ago and it came back 7.5 and I was excited. I have lost 11 lbs and am living a low carb more veggie diet... Like you said it's a lifestyle change we have to make... I'm hoping I can loose more lbs and loose the meds & insulin... Thanks for your story enjoyed it & was very motivating CONGRATULATIONS ON WHERE YOU ARE IN THIS STRUGGLE!!