My continuing diabetic journey

I've been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes since I got treated for colorectal cancer.  Apparently it can happen after chemo.  My MD is an internist, herbalist and accupuncturist.  I'm a retired chiropractor.  I'm overweight, weighing 230 lbs.  I've been struggling with Atkins/Keto for some time, but have been unable to get in ketosis, and unable to lose weight.  I neglected my health while serving as caregiver for a dad with alzheimers, and a mom with mild dementia.  I cared for them for 15 years. 

I now have glucose numbers in the 300-400 range, and my BP runs high as well.  My MD gave me time to lose weight and resolve this by myself while he monitored me.  I was unable to get numbers to go down, so he finally put me on a series of meds.  Meds he gave me for BP and cholesterol helped.  We tried several generic meds for diabetes, however, and none of them made any difference.  Furthermore, the side effects associated with the meds got bad enough so I was spending most of my day in the bathroom with diarrhea... and the rest of my day cleaning soiled laundry.  Life wasn't fun... and without changes, there would be no point in prolonging this process. 

So a friend told me about Berberine.  It is supposed to be the herbal equivalant to Metformin.  "Supposed" is the key word.  I've been on the Berberine for 2+ months, and haven't seen any difference between it and metformin.  Side-effects, however have improved BIG TIME with the Berberine!  I'm no longer leashed to the bathroom!  I can now travel more than 1 hour by car!!  So I'm feeling like I'm getting my life back!

I'm continuing to research a Diabetes diet, and am hoping to discover what I could be doing wrong.  I've recently concluded that Stevia, which I put in my coffee or tea may not be as "innocent" as I once thought.  I bought a bowflex and a rowing machine.  The rowing machine actually seems to help, though for a very short time.  But it is a new addition to my armement, so time may find it more effective.

I am not giving up hope.  But I'm leary that I may get a stroke or dementia before I figure this stuff out.  In the meantime, I'm the Director of a non-profit museum (the Acadian Village) and am in the middle of making many changes there that need to happen to give this museum a future.  I am having problems concentrating on the various tasks that need to be done, and progress is going slower than I had hoped.  I am hoping this lack of concentration and ambition is related to the diabetes.  If so, things could get better if I can get the diabetes under control!!  If not, I am already asking the Board of Directors to keep an eye out for a replacement for me.  I am documenting my duties in detail, and periodically giving copies of my "procedure manual" to the Board to help them replace me if need be.  It does feel weird though, planning for my demise.

I will continue to spend time online, learning what I can about diabetic treatments and diabetic diets.  Maybe something will finally click?!