Hi Hen and welcome from me here in the Dandenongs!
isn't it amazing what a low carb diet can do for you! i am so pleased to see you having success with this. the lipids are amazing aren't they? i just wish my GP had suggested low-carb years ago. now that i do it, of course, he approves.
a couple of things. going on insulin isn't bad. don't think of it as an end-game. i asked my doc to put me on insulin two weeks ago (he agreed and i have started on that therapy).
it might look scary at first - but it does not hurt in the slightest. as my GP said it is a normal human reaction to be afraid of "self harming".
i had got my A1C down to 6% - but i could not get it any lower on pure low carb. with insulin therapy i am also able to add in some of the carbs i missed. tonight a had a whole ear of corn! i missed this immensely. btw, this is not a recipe for me to start eating donuts again!
as for drinking water. do so if it makes you happy. i think it does nothing for your health. in my opinion, that whole water thing is an urban myth.
as for vietnam, things like bok choy will be cheap and plentiful. i reckon you will be able to avoid rice pretty easily!
-- Joel.
