10 yrs ago, i was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. i had very dry finger tips, and recurring yeast infections. when i went to the doctor, i mentioned this to him, he had me tested, and i had diabetes. i was a non compliant diabetic. i ate and drank whatever i wanted. i spent 10 yrs being a non compliant diabetic. my sugars (when i tested them) were always in the 400- 500 range. i took my metformin when i felt like it. i cancelled doctor appts, because i felt great. if i had a 200 blood sugar, i was elated. then came April 2007. i woke up with severe flank pain. i was vomiting, breathing fast, my blood pressure was low, it was horrible. still, i said 'it will go away' when it didnt, after two days, my husband forced me to go to the doctor, who in turn forced me to go to the hospital. still not believing anything was seriously wrong, i went home for a nap. when i got to the hospital, i was admitted immediately with Diabetic Ketoacidosis. my A1C was 14.7. i was in the hospital for 7 days. i had kidney damage, not to mention neuropathy in my hands feet and torso. my potassium was low, and my blood pressure was 80/65. they told me had i waited another day i'd have been dead. it scared me straight. i've got my diabetes in check now, its not easy, but i have better family help. right now we ALL have diabetes, so it makes it easier for me to eat a good meal.
because i waited so long to get my act together, i have severe neuropathy in my feet, legs, especially left thigh, hands and torso. i have numerous health problems now in addition to neuropathy. i know its all because i ignored my body for 10 yrs. I can say i proudly learned a lesson. my A1C was down to 5.9, but it went up a bit to 7.4. after trying different times to taking the medications, the doctor will be starting me on Byetta. I hope this works!
anyway, sorry i've babbled, its nice to meet you all

Hello and welcome.

Good for you getting yourself into better control and shape. We all know it is difficult. I'm sorry that it took such serious problems to get you motivated, but it is a truly wonderful thing that you survived at all. I imagine that you are pretty grateful to your husband for forcing you to get care.

If you have any questions or just want to vent, this is the place to be. I would suggest doing some research on supplements. There are quite a few like ALA and GLA that can be very helpful with neuropathy.

Cora