goal is to try to get off insulin with diet and exercise - any thoughts?

Hi everyone and Happy Spring! I'm still working hard every day to keep my #'s as level and 'in-range' as I possibly can. Some days it's more of a struggle than other days, but I will NOT give up. Semi-high (170 +) readings only make me more determined to get back on track. I'm also really determined to get off the insulin and control my numbers with oral meds and diet and exercise. Does anyone know how common or uncommon it is to be able to stop taking insulin shots? I was diagnosed in '05 with type II and am taking metformin,Avandia, glipizide and only 12 units of Lantus (by injection, once daily before bed) I've lost almost 40 lbs. since being diagnosed and have been exercising 3-5 times a week and actually enjoying it. (treadmill and outdoor walking for at least 30-45 min.) I also do 30 min. of yoga every morning and don't allow stress into my life! My Doc is very happy with my progress and I've even gotten my A1c down to 6.2 and have a 131 cholesterol level. I feel great and get comments on my weight loss all the time. My goal is to get off the injections. Can anyone give me any suggestions on what more I can do to reach my goal (if it IS possible) of getting rid of the darn insulin? I view this as a challenge and I want to WIN!! Any and all comments and encouragement are welcome. 'Manageable' is a great word but I want to beat this thing...as much as it can be beaten, anyway. Thanks for listening and keep up the good fight. With a little persistence and help from the good folks at this forum, we all have a fighting chance. Peace!

Walker,
Congratulations on your progress. I've been on the 12 unit Lantus regimen for two years now and don't really have a problem with it since it's giving me morning numbers of 97 or so and keeping everything in line. When are you getting the 170 readings? Just curious because this may indicate whether or not you will be able to reverse this thing.

For myself, I find the Lantus to be a blessing. It enhances insulin uptake (and the accompanying glucose molecules) in the muscles and reduces the liver's glycogen secretion, both of which are the underlying problems associated with insulin resistant diabetes. It is a very safe medication with low rates of hypoglycemic episodes and among other things may be helpful in warding off diabetic retinopathy and diabetic kidney failure. I would really like to hang on to my eyesight and if staying on meds is what it takes that's what I'm doing.

I may be a little more tolerant of the meds because I have been dx as type 2 for over 10 years. How long have you had your diagnosis?

I would advise you to skip the dried fruits like raisins and carbs like crackers. I use things like a one inch cube of motzarella cheese along with about 18 peanuts to take care of hunger. This high protein, moderate fat, especially good in monounsaturated fats, snack will knock out your hunger and not affect your blood sugar readings.

Nuts and cheese are good choices for hunger. The Cheese also has the calcium we all need as we age. Give it a try and see if this helps your late afternoon glucose readings.