[princesslinda]

Jill, I can relate to how you feel when your readings just don't seem to make sense. I'm so glad you got your meter, as now you'll be able to see how it's going whenever you want. You'll feel more in control that way. I encourage you to check 2 hrs after starting your meals. My doc said it should be under 140 then, though others have said they have been told under 160.

Since you've started on the Amyril, you will probably notice a drop in your levels. I'd make sure I carried a protein bar or something in your purse in case you have low episodes while your out. My stepmom is only on Amyril and will occasionally have lows and she makes sure she has something she can eat on hand, just in case. She also had some swelling of her ankles on it as well, so watch for that.

Try not to get discouraged. Everyone responds differently to this disease. Do the best you can and continue regular f/u with your doc and you'll find what works.

For the higher fastings, you might want to try eating something high in protein just before you go to bed (piece of cheese, spoon of peanut butter, handful of walnuts or almonds). Sometimes you'll go low in the early am hours and your body will overcompensate and you'll have higher fastings. High protein snack just before bedtime can sometimes help.

I have just finished reading the "T2 Diabetes - the first year" by Gretchen Becker and it is great...you should get it, as you'll learn a lot about this disease, what the different meds do, the effect of exercise and diet on it..it was very encouraging to me.

Hang in there!
Linda

PS: It takes 3-4 weeks to get the optimal benefit from metformin..not sure how long before you see results on the Amaryl, but it does take time for meds to reach therapeutic levels in your body.
I can say that I noticed results very quickly with the metformin, but I pretty much eleminated breads, pastas, sugar, rice, potatoes and immediately started exercising, so i'm not sure whether the metformin worked for me that fast or if it was the lifestyle changes, as I had been very sedentary.