More info on gymnema...possible band-aiding info alsoRe: Agreed, plus general info about Gymnema Sylvestre Re: Tinctures...

Thanks Uny,
I had actually done a lot of research on gymnema, I read it is supposed to stimulate insulin secretions in the pancreas andddd from http://www.gymnema.com/
 

"Gymnema leaves increases insulin levels by regeneration of the cells in the pancreas that secrete insulin. Other clinical research has shown that gymnema also improves uptake of glucose into cells by increasing the activity of the glucose utilizing enzymes, and prevents adrenaline from stimulating the liver to produce glucose, thereby reducing blood sugar levels." 

Well that sounds pretty fabulous!  I think I'm onto something here.

It also (above) explains more about how it affects the adrenaline response of the adrenals.  This makes sense and from a diabetic standpoint I think it is a very good thing.  Whenever I get an adrenaline rush (like say you just missed being involved in a car accident) my sugars sky-rocket from release of glucose from the liver.  Being so sick for so long I'm beginning to think (obviously with some adrenal issues) that my sugars tend to run high because I'm often in somewhat of a stressful state.  If this is from the adrenaline stimulating the liver, the gymnema will be GREAT in stopping that reaction.  My gut says I don't think it will affect the adrenals, it just sounds like it puts up a barrier to help protect the liver against the stress of an adrenaline rush.  WOOP!

As far as it only being a band-aid...I have some thoughts on this.  Even if it were to be only a band-aid and not actually heal the pancreas, anything that can reduce my intake of synthetic insulin would be a good thing.  The less synthetic I am taking the more I think my pancreas will want to produce its own.  Makes sense as the theory is the reason why diabetics become synthetic insulin dependant is because when your body (supposedly) realizes it is getting insulin from another source, it no longer feels the need to do produce it on its own. 

Anywho...my thoughts.  I don't know if you will read this, it is a little low on the forum now, but if you do any you have time and you have any thoughts on what I just said I'd love to hear them. 

Also I've been MIA for awhile...but still doing my thang....I'm making vast improvements and I'm at a pretty low dose of insulin, and still experiencing a lot of low blood sugars, which means I need to continue de-creasing insulin usage. 

~April