May have Type II Diabetes--questions about herbs

This week I had blood work done in preparation for a physical exam. I'm in my mid-50s and will admit to being overweight (something I've struggled with most of my life). Three years ago, I started taking cinnamon since at the time it was thought to help lower blood sugar. Shortly thereafter, I had blood work done and discovered that my blood Sugar came down from a previous reading of 122 to 109. I continued to take cinnamon and watch my diet and get on the treadmill whenever possible.

Well, when I got the results of the most recent bloodwork, I was both shocked and devastated. My blood Sugar jumped to 156! Less than a month before the blood work was done, I had added gymnema sylvestre and prickly pear cactus to the cinnamon, even taking the maximum dosage.

The doctor didn't put me on any diabetes medications. Instead she switched me from a diuretic to another medication (I have had hypertension for about 15 years--runs in the family). I was told to finish up the diuretic then switch to the other medication and see her after I've been on the new meds for a month. Well...I have about a month's supply of the diuretic so I have a 2 month window to try and lower the blood Sugar before having new blood work and seeing the doctor again.

I've been doing some research and am considering adding some other herbs---grapeseed extract and, if I can find it, Indian Kino. Since I have IBS with diarrhea, I can't take bitter melon or fenugreek since some of the side effects are loose stools.

Questions---Will adding any of the above mentioned herbs help? Are there any others that are recommended? Will two months of taking these herbs be enough time to produce an effect?

I've also been adding more foods that are thought to help blood sugar levels to my diet. Recently, I've been eating 2 tsps of flaked coconut daily to help with the diarrhea and so far I'm cautiously optimistic. My doctor has also prescribed a medication that helps control diarrhea (haven't tried it yet--it's on order at the pharmacy) in those who've had their gallbladder removed (another thing that runs in the family--had mine out when I was 35). With these additions to my diet, I've been able to exercise more without worries about diarrhea.

Thank you for any help and suggestions you have. Another thing---would it help to visit an herbalist (if I can find one locally)?