I can't wait to see what my next A1C will be! My last one was 7.3%, with my blood glucose up, down and all around. I was low, I was high, and just way out of control.

About a month ago, I decided to start following a low-carb diet. What a difference! I take my Lantus—12 units in the morning and at night—and take 2 units of NovoLog per meal. I've had only one low during that time, and I consistently wake up with my blood glucose measuring in the 80s. I love my new regimen! And not having highs and lows makes the new diet all worthwhile for me. Plus, there's the hope that by keeping blood-glucose levels down, people with diabetes may be able to live longer and have fewer complications.

Recent studies have indicated that a low-carb diet may not be as bad for you as its detractors have opined over the years. However, the research that has been published has been the result of small, short-term studies. The only information on long-term low-carbing is anecdotal.

But I hear these anecdotal testimonies a lot, from people like my friend, a type 2, who lost 40 pounds by following a low-carb approach.

While I would strongly suggest that low-carbing is a good way to smooth out your blood-glucose levels, I also strongly suggest that you consult with your doctor before following such a regimen.

For anyone who wants to know more about low-carbing, I want to recommend the book "Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution."

Your Turn

On another note, we get a lot of good information from your comments. At a recent staff meeting, we went over some of those comments.

One asked whether we could add celiac disease articles and ads to Diabetes Health. We'd love to have the additional ads and will certainly make your wishes known to companies that supply gluten-free products.

In the meantime, we listened to your request for articles, as you can see on page 34 of this issue.

Celiac disease is more common among people with type 1 diabetes. In fact, research is suggesting that all children with type 1 diabetes be tested for celiac disease even if they are not exhibiting any symptoms. Because celiac disease can lead to malnutrition and lack of growth, it's important to treat this other chronic disease. And wouldn't you know it—celiac is basically an allergic reaction to gluten, a product found in many grains, so it's really important to watch what you eat. Fortunately, there are gluten-free products out there.

Another reader suggests that we include more information on carb-counting. I would consider that a useful article for anyone with diabetes, no matter what the regimen. People who control type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise can benefit as much from learning to count carbs as those who take oral medications, insulin, or a combination of insulin and oral meds.

Safety Zone

Still another reader says the insurance industry, medical providers and the pharmaceutical industry need to be taken to task for not providing the best medical care for all of us who have diabetes.

Point well taken, but it's also up to us to take care of ourselves. Our article on medical errors, which begins on page 26, points up the importance of educating ourselves and taking charge of our own diabetes care. Diabetes is such an individual disease that we are the only ones who know how to control it in ourselves.

If you've never been to a diabetes educator, get yourself to one. Same goes if it's been a few years since you saw an educator. A lot has changed in just less than one decade. Update yourself about diabetes care and changes in the way people with diabetes are being advised to eat.

We Can Help

Of course, those of us at Diabetes Health will continue to help, by bringing you the latest in research, letting you know about the latest products for diabetes care and continuing to bring you news you can use—and primarily from writers who have diabetes themselves.

You keep writing, and we'll keep paying attention to your requests.