The best diet for diabetes is the diet that you can stick with in the long run if that diet doesn't have a deleterious effect on your blood sugar levels.

Almost any diet is better than the "standard American diet" of a lot of fast food and other restaurant meals that are high in starch as well as high in fat.

So use your meter to see how your diet is affecting your BG levels as well as your weight loss. Your reading of 419 is much too high and will contribute to the gradual destruction of your beta cells. You should try some medication to get those numbers down. You want to keep your numbers below 140, and then only for a little bit after meals. Under 120 is better.

Exercise is more effective in helping you keep your weight off than it is in losing weight.

If you've never tried a low-carb diet you might consider that. Weight Watchers tends to be high in carbs, although they keep changing their diets and I don't know exactly what they're prescribing today.

I, too, am Type 2 diabetic.  I have been on the Weight Watchers online program since February 2008.  I have lost 16 lbs!  I LOVE the program, because it allows you to eat the things you usually eat and enjoy, but with portion control.  You must factor in fruits, vegetables, calcium needs, etc. accordingly--in other words, you must still eat sensibly and correctly, or otherwise, you might end up not getting the proper nutrition for your body.  Portion control and the Food Pyramid located at www.mypyramid.gov, a website developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has been a tremendous help to me.  Also visit www.win.niddk.nih.gov to get wonderful "recommendations to promote health and reduce the risk of chronic disease through nutritious heath and physical activity."

Incidentally, Sooze, in my previous answer to you, I left out some important info - since I've been on Weight Watchers, not only have I loss a nice amount of weight, my blood sugar numbers remain near the 110-98 area, usually 138-150 after meals.  I feel great! Also, and this is important, I revved-up my exercise program.  I attend 2 aerobics classes a week, I go to Curves 1-2 times a week, and I walk at least 60 minutes 1 time a week.  In between time, I ride my stationary bike while I watch tv at home.  An increase in exercise is MANDATORY to keep blood sugar under control.  Hope this helps!

Sooze, Congratulations on loosing the 85 pounds, stress or not that is a good start.   I too have T2 and need to loose weight.  I visited a dietician to develop a healthy meal plan and I use a combination of diet, exercise, and medication.  You say you lost your job and insurance so I know finances are tight.  My mother who is also T2 has been on weight watchers off and on for 40 years.  I know that weight watchers is expensive but if it works then it is worth it. I wish I had my mothers bg numbers.  I think you definately need to visit a doctor a bg of 419 is too high.  Call the American Diabetes Association and ask them if there are any free clinics in your area or call the local health department and see if they have free clinics.  Most diabetes drug manufacturers have programs to help with the cost of medication.  The doctor should be able to help you get in contact the drug manufacturers.  Be sure to exercise as much as you can especially strength and resistance exercises to help lower bg.

cindy

Hi

I also have T2. After trying a variety of diets I managed to stabalise my weight (after an initial loss) and my bg levels for 3 years before both started creeping up again.  I have now managed to regain control with a low carb diet. My weight is back dowm and bg levels are normal.

Hope this helps.