If you are taking control of yourself and your numbers you should be fine. And you shouldn't end up like your sister or her husband. Be sure you keep your blood pressure under control too.

I'm sorry you're going through this with her and sorry she is too. My mom had a heart attack several years ago, then diagnosed type2, her husband diagnosed with lung cancer (the deadliest form) and beat it now he's cured... They both smoked for many many years... Guess what? They still do!! It makes me so angry but nothing I can do about it but refuse to be around the smoke. My step dad could have stopped smoking if my mom would have joined him. He was almost there but the temptation was too great when she'd light up.

Sometimes lessons just can't be learned. As you said it's the same for all of us when we cheat and eat what we know we shouldn't. I had a heart attack last month (I'm 40) and I've eaten out a few times since but I do try to shoot for things that aren't fried or cooked with oil, and things that I think are lower sodium options like fajitas at the authentic Mexican place we eat at from time to time. I get it without the creamy toppings and without cheese or cheese sauce. I munch lightly on the chips and salsa cause I know they are high in sodium. I mostly eat the filler (the onions, peppers, chicken and a little plain rice) with two small tortillas. So I try.

Sorry for writing a booklet here, probably too much info but wanted you to know you're not alone in the struggle of watching others while also trying to keep yourself in check.

Thanks, Jody. I am so sorry about your heart attack and hope you are doing better. I am not worried about me ending up like my sister. I never smoked, and I have my weight under control and my sugar is doing well. But for those who smoke, I hope you can stop. We didn't know 50 years ago what we know now. Between smoking and the diabetes, a person is a walking time bomb.

Hugs, I know the devastation diabetic and heart attack can cause. I have my sister that is in the same boat. But do they listen, NO they have to do things their way. Just as my friend's husband. His eyes are starting to be affected by diabetics. As for smoking, I never smoked. My whole family did and now they are regretting it. My sister quit, so did my late mother(cold turkey too). My father ballooned to over 250 pounds after my mother died, he died 18 months later. Smoking ruins your health. I was diagnosed last year and so far I have lost almost 60 pounds and those pesky numbers are within normal range. We all have to be careful with what you eat.

Knuckle, good job on losing those pounds! Smoking should be illegal, but it is too big a moneymaker for the cigarette companies. Smoking and diabetes is a death sentence. I am so happy I never smoked, did drugs, or drank more than a glass of wine once in a while. I have my weight at a good place, and my diabetes in control. I am doing the best to keep it that way. I hope all of us on this forum good health.