Re: Type II Diabetes treatment---what do you think of this approach?

Thank you for your response! What caused me to post on this issue was the discussion with my father regarding his new doctor's approach. Also, my husband has been on diabetes meds for about 10 years, and to be honest, I don't think they've helped him all that much. His blood Sugar readings are still all over the place. With all that in mind, I'm reluctant to go on diabetes meds myself.

Last month, my husband and I agreed we would be strictly vegan and after the month was over, would evaluate its effectiveness. Well...my husband lost 8 pounds! I haven't weighed myself lately but my pants are looser. In addition to the diet, we took herbs and did 2 miles a week on the treadmill.

What we discovered regarding the diet is that we both miss having some chicken, cheese and fish once in a while. So we're going to try being vegan 5 days a week and see how that goes. Also, we will continue with the herbs and exercise. In the meantime, I plan to continue my research to see what else can be done.

My blood Sugar readings, while not alarming, could be much better---thus my frustration.

Since belonging to the HMO, I have only once challenged a doctor regarding a prescription med. When I was pregnant, I developed gestational hypertension. Much to my great sadness, I had to go on meds. There was no internet in the mid-80s so I researched my meds as best as I could. What I found out that it took being on them 4 weeks before they were effective. After 2 weeks on the meds, my doctor wanted to up my dose. I told her what I learned and told her I didn't want to up them just yet. She was silent for a while but then conceded to my request. After a month of being on the meds (remember, this is an HMO), I saw a different doctor who thought I was doing fine at my current dosage.

So...I'm going to put off going to the doctor as long as possible now regarding the diabetes and continue to work hard at reducing my numbers. We have to get on track diet-wise since we were out of town for 10 days and of course, when away from home, it's hard to eat a good diet. Plus, we both came down with respiratory illnesses. When we're fully well again, it's back to the treadmill. We've started easing back into the vegan routine during the week.

Again, thanks for your response. In the meantime, I will keep on keeping on...