Hi Sally,

It sounds like you are ready to make some changes in your diet for your health.  Losing even 10% of your weight can make an improvement in your diabetes and decrease your risk of complications.  First, I would learn about counting carbohydrates, because you will need to be familiar with how to manage your diabetes as well as lose weight.  The carbohydrates in the food is what makes your blood sugars increase, but you need some carbohydrates for energy and other body processes, so the goal is moderate, consistent carb intake, not eliminating them. 

Second, some type of exercise will help.  If you have bad legs, look for some videos or information on chair exercises.  Moving your body is a key to controlling your blood sugars and losing weight.  Even doing things like arm circles and lifiting your legs while sitting, during commercials, etc will help.

As far as weight loss, don't get caught by the scams and quick fixes.  Long-term weight loss requires lifestyle changes that last.  Pick a few items you can do each week and build them into a habit.  The overall goal is cut your calories.  Learn to listen to your hunger and fullness and stop eating when you are full.  Look at your portions and cut back some on them.  Cut extra calories by limiting the fried/high fat foods and eliminating sugar/sweets and extra snacks.  Try and eat more whole grain/high fiber foods and less processed foods.

There are many ways to lose weight, and it sounds like some type of accountability program would really help you.  You might check out the SparkPeople website at http://sparkpeople.com, and look at my website in the blog section where I have several articles on losing weight http://sylviatwhite.com.  For individual help, you might look on http://eatright.org for a referral to a Registered Dietitian.  Insurance will usually cover this cost.  If you are looking for an online program, look at the Balance program at http://RealLivingNutrition.com where you get weekly email intervention from a Registered Dietitian.  I am one of the providers there if you want to look me up!

Good luck and I hope you make some progress with the New Year! Just don't get discouraged, the goal is slow, lasting weight loss. Remember it takes a while to put on weight, and it will be slow taking it off, but if you are making healthy changes, you are improving your health.