I am sooo confused Need help

Hi, I need some help in understanding diabeties. Like what do I do with this little bottle of solution that came with my testing monitor? Because my eyes are so blurry, I can't read the small print about it. Second question. When after surgery we are to avoid carbs, as they produce sugar. But with diabeties, it's not recommended to avoid them. Also, mom is a diabetic and told to avoid such carbs as grains, potatoes, certain meats. When I asked her about this, she couldn't give me an answer. They put her on the pills immediately when she was diagnosed, I on the other hand, have to wait to see my pcp in 2 weeks. With being on the water pills, I have lost so much fluid that my body is craving salt. I am averaging one 32 ounce bottle of V8 juice. Can't seem to get enough in my system. Go off the water pills, and the fluids set right back in my legs and around my heart. I am also craving sweets like crazy. Mom says to avoid them at all costs, but I am already getting real sick, very weak, and so sleepy when I get low on sugar in my system. Anyone with suggestions on what I can do, would be most welcomed. Oh, has anyone else tried the Glucerna shakes for diabeties, and what were they like? Happy Thanksgiving, Kathy

Kathy, You should see a nutritionist to get all the facts. I was on Glucophage from June until after my surgery, and used to have the hypoglycemic attacks from hell before being labeled non-insulin diabetic. Do a web search on the glycemic index and that will give you some info on good versus bad carbs. Lots of luck, Kelly

Kathy, The solution that comes with your monitor is a check solution for the monitor. I agree with the previous post that you should do some research on the glycemic index. I learned about the glycemic index when I was placed on the "Sugar Busters" diet. I've had diabetes for a few years and know a bit about it since it runs in my family. High carb foods such as potatoes and pasta turn to sugar once in your body. There are good carbs and bad carbs - just educate yourself, do your research, and see a nutritionist/diabetic educator. Good luck!! Amy Stanley

Call the Cumberland Center for Obesity Surgery in Nashville and talk to them about having the DS. The DS has proven to be *so* effective in CURING diabetes that surgeons in Europe are now doing it on patients at or near 'normal' weight whose diabetes is out of control. You might also want ot visit the DS forum here at OH and read the profile of a member named Patty L---she had the Ds for weight loss, but her husband had it to cure his diabetes. It's a truly remarkable story!