Jan, welcome to our group.  Unfortunately, I cannot help with your
question as I dont take insulin.  I do believe, however, that your a1c
is pretty high and needs to come down.  If taking insulin will
accomplish that goal, I would go for it.  It seems your doctor, who I
believe is a trained professional, believes you should be on it, then
you should be on it, imo.  The higher numbers get, the more
complications you are letting yourself in for,  It would seem to be that
would be far worse than injecting insulin.

Your friends seem to agree.

Loretta

--
I

I am on oral meds and insulin and it's likely the same would happen with
you.  However...  From what you say, it sounds like you don't know very much
about how a diabetic to eat.  There is a lot more to it than just giving up
sugar.  Can you give an example of meals?  Breakfast, lunch, dinner and
snacks?  What do you eat and what are the portion sizes?

I think you have just described a significant part of your problem.

The foods which raise your blood glucose levels are a much larger part
of your menu then just sugar and beer.

If I take a wild guess, I think I could describe a significant part of
your menu.
Included in your menu is lots of healthy whole grains in the form of
breakfast cereal, breads and pastas, skim milk, and lots of healthy
fruit and juices. I may be totally wrong, but let me know.

While you wait for the others to come along please read the
information on these two links:

http://www.alt-support-diabetes.org/new.php

http://loraldiabetes.blogspot.com/2006/10/test-review-adjust.html

It would also help the others to help you if you describe a typical
day's menu. For example, what did you eat over the past 243 hours,
when you tested your blood glucose levels and what the results were.

You may, or may not, need insulin. But first it would be very wise to
review your diet.
Cheers, Alan, Australia.
--
http://loraltravel.blogspot.com (Jerash, an Ancient City in Jordan)

I'm a T2 on insulin. I was on insulin and metformin but the metformin was
causing problems so now it's insulin alone. The best thing about insulin is
that if properly used, it always works and has no side effects except hypos.
Since I started insulin, my A1c has always been below 6 and I can eat
anything I want, only diet restriction is weight control. I only pig-out
once or twice a week.

Talk to your doctor about it, with todays needles insulin injections are
painless, for me less that finger pokes.

I'm a T2 on insulin and Metformin.  I take two shots a day, am/pm of Novolin
N, which is an extended release insulin.

My last a1c was 5.9, and a year ago it was 14.2, so it's working.  I still
watch my carbs very closely and would still spike big time if I ate the
wrong foods, so it isn't a free ride for me like it is for those that also
use fast acting insulin before meals.

However the important thing (IMO) is that you get your numbers DOWN.  You're
damaging your body, possibly your eyes, your circulation, your kidneys, on
and on.

The other question is whether or not you have ever had an opportunity to sit
with a diabetic nutritionist.  It sounds like perhaps you don't fully
understand the diabetic plan for eating.

You do NOT have to give up beer.  Least not light beer.  In fact light beer
or wine or liquor (without sweet mixers) could actually help LOWER your
numbers.  (Hi carb full bodied beer on the other hand has to be handled on a
case by case basis, so I've given up my Guinness in lieu of Bud Light).

You do NOT have to completely give up sugar, but you DO have to understand
when and how to eat sweet foods and in what quantity.

Please tell us a little more about your typical way of eating and you can be
sure this group will give you some great advice.

Wes