Jenny wrote in message ...
. . .(snip). . .

 Now that's an interesting thought.

 FWIW,   my immune system is still giving me problems.    I have suffered
bone loss at my artificial hip because "my body's reaction to particles shed
by the artificial hip resulted in an autoimmune attack on the bone".    What
this means is that on Dec 8 I go back into surgery and have them remove the
old socket,   reshape the damaged bone area,  and install a bigger socket.
Whoopee!   Six years service from a 15+ year model artificial hip.

Regards
 Old Al

Steel cut oats may have less of an effect on BG, add oat bran, it is
supposed to be even better than oatmeal for lowering cholesterol.  Maybe
eating it in the evening instead of the morning would work better.

Dick Malchik wrote in message
<7je7l1dmrps21r3loo708a53pk6jl2q836@4ax.com>...
. . . .(snip). . ..

I eat a bit less than 1/2 cup (as uncooked) mixed with freshly ground flax
seed from 1/4 cup of whole seed.    It's a hi-carb/fast-carb breakfast but I
am T1-on-insulin so it's merely a question of proper injection timing,
injection amount and exercise opportunity.   Tricky (actually a PITA) but
very possible.      It's strictly a heart-smart option for me.     I take my
oatmeal,  my measuring cup and my bowl with me when I travel.

Since I am T1-on-insulin,   my carb input is meaningless to a T2.    I use
DAFNE  (Dose Adjusted For Normal Eating) in a 200-250 gram carb/day regime
and basically eat anything I want within reason   (e.g.  my bG often drops
instead of spiking after a pasta meal).

On insulin for a T2 early in the Progression:

There are a variety of clinical studies which suggest but do not prove that:

     a.  The beta death mechanism (apoptosis) which is the proximate cause
of T2 is more or less proportional to the rate of insulin production

     b.  There is some sort of repair mechanism in T2 which acts to replace
dead beta cells.  In most T2,  the death rate overwhelms the replacement
rate.

     c.   However, taking the load off the beta cells via insulin
injection.and/or massive reductions in Insulin Resistance seems to allow a
rejuvenation or net gain in insulin production capacity.     That is a very
good thing for a T2.

There is a trap however.    If high Insulin Resistance is present and you do
not manage to knock it down,   the extra circulating insulin potential from
insulin injection can encourage damage to arteries.   Therefore,   attacks
on I.R. and circulating insulin levels are the #1 priorities  (anti-heart
attack) for T2.   That means fat loss,  muscle gain,  daily exercise and low
carb.

In your case,  note that many T2 exhibit  I above 2.0 (some above 4 !) in
the HOMA test.   Your 0.4 is simply spectacular.

Some cites:

1.  Take the test at

http://www.diabetesincontrol.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2867
,    pick answer "8",   read the explanation which represents clinical proof
that insulin injections protect beta cells

2.  Metformin (and TZD also) have a beneficial  effect on apoptosis

http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/89/11/5535

3.  Finally,  Uncle Enrico's approach to early insulin

"Uncle Enrico
Sunday, June 05, 2005 12:45 AM
alt.support.diabetes

I was on your same dosage of Glipizide for several years and had two or
three hypos a week, particularly with exercise. I always had to carry
glucose tabs. I gained weight with Glipizide and often had ruined
exercise outings because of the hypos. The effect of Glipizide seemed to
be a little too unpredictable, no matter how closely I monitored things.

Then, a well-respected endo visited my diabetes support group and told
me and others that Glipizide and other sulfonylureas had these
characteristics--weight gain and hypos. She said she preferred beginning
with insulin sensitizers like Metformin/Glucophage, and then only going
to insulin pushers like Glipizide if diet, exercise and Metformin didn't
work.

I soon began taking Metformin,  went on a strict slow carb/low carb
diet, along with 1 to 2 hours of daily exercise, gradually reduced my
Glipizide to a very small amount, 1.25 mg a day, as I lost 45 pounds in
10 months. Despite the small amount of Glipizide, I still got hypos.

I did some research into the benefits of "early insulin therapy,"
discussed it with my doctor, and am now taking a small dose of insulin
in the morning only, to deal with my dawn phenomenon. I've eliminated
the Glipizide and am keeping my weight down. My last A1C before going on
the insulin, and while still taking 1.25 mg. of Glipizide was a 5.3. The
insulin has improved my morning and afternoon numbers, so I'm expecting
a better A1C on the next test.  I have had absolutely no hypos with the
small dose of insulin I take each morning.

All the professionals I've talked to, my doctor, 1 endo and 2 diabetes
educators, believe that I'm on the right path. A Dr. Richard K.
Bernstein, M.D. has advocated this approach for many years. He has a
book  titled "Diabetes Solution" that I've closely read and refer to
often. Bernstein advocates small doses of insulin and a strict low
carb/slow carb diet for both his Type I's and II's.

There is ample research to support the value of early insulin therapy.
Leading endocrinologists support this treatment. My goal is to preserve
my ability to produce insulin rather than burning out what I've got left
with sulfonylureas. I'm not suggesting anyone do this. I'm just telling
you what has worked for me.

Frankly, I don't think that early insulin therapy would have been right
for me if I were still seriously overweight. More insulin could make
weight loss harder and increase my problem with insulin resistance. I
feel comfortable with this program because I have reached a normal
weight and continue to maintain it.

By the way, modern syringes are virtually painless. There is an
emotional barrier that causes diabetics to resist insulin treatment that
I believe is unjustified given research data showing the efficacy of
"early" rather than "last resort" insulin therapy.

Type II
Dx'd 5/98
Insulin and Metformin
Diet: I prepare all my own food: slow carb/low carb. Lean protein and
lots of slow carb vegetables, nuts, olive oil.
Recently added Blueberries to the diet.
Exercise: daily walking and or biking--one to two hours.
Height: 5' 7"  Weight: 158 pounds, down from 203 ten months ago.
A1C 5.3"

Regards
 Old Al