Thanks for sharing your story. It is very typical of American households these days. I am glad you have taken charge - even if it seems difficult now. Every little adjustment you make now can have very big benefits in time.

I hope we can serve as a source of information and inspiration for you.

I spoke with my mom today, and she will be starting insulin soon. I’m actually amazed she’s made it this long without it.

I can’t say I follow the “primal” diet - I don’t eat much meat for a variety of reasons, and eat much more grains than recommended here. I do, however, eat very differently from the Standard American Diet, and am considering (after the birthday celebrations subside, and after a 3-week visit from a niece who is am ethical vegetarian) trying something more primal, and cutting out most grains for awhile.

I have been heavily criticized by my family for eating like I do, and being careful about what I give to my children, such as not allowing them to have soda or go to McDonald’s. At the same time, they wonder why I “got lucky” to have such good health and stay thin and fit.

Hearing from my mom today, I couldn’t help but point out that her health problems, and the overall health of my family, caused my dietary changes, and she finally seemed to understand. She is so addicted to sugar that she is unwilling to give it up.

I can say, too, that when we travel, we relax a lot (but not all) of our dietary rules, and I eat much more sugar than I normally do - a couple sodas a day (which I don’t ever have at home), the typical hotel breakfast of refined carbs with a side of refined carbs and some trans fats for flavor - and I can definitely feel it, even after just a day or two of the sugar rush. I’m not one to cut it all out completely - I have a little sugar in my morning coffee, and a small piece or two of dark chocolate throughout the day, and I’m sure going to enjoy my birthday cake - but I do believe sugar is the biggest of all evils as far as diet goes, and it pains me to see those I love being such total sugar addicts.

In my estimation, A1C and CRP are two of the most important tests you can get to “see how you’re doing”. Next time you have a check-up, be sure the doc includes both.

I stopped doing sugar about a month ago. I actually felt withdrawal symptoms. I don’t know if this was some sore of “reverse sugar shock,” perhaps just my body adjusting to the new blood sugar levels. A little lightedheadedness, that sort of thing. Anyway, it’s passed now, and my blood sugar levels should be lower than ever, haven’t had sugar in a month!