Dear Lisa:

I can vouch for Alicia's advice that NIDDM is often well-controlled with
diet, exercise and weight reduction.  I am a dietitian in an outpatient
setting and see TONS of NIDDM patients who are coming to me on the maximum
dose of oral hypoglycemic agent getting ready to "go on the needle".  (Look
out I'm leaping onto ye olde soape boxxe...)  These people "watch their
diets" (I think that means they look at the food that they shovel into their
mouths).  Anyway, it is not uncommon for them to leave my office, start
checking their blood sugars, AND have their medications cut in half.  Even if
they do select their foods from the allowed food lists, the PORTIONS make a
difference.  If I had a nickel for every diabetic who has switched to fruit
juice instead of pop (because it is natural sugar), I'd be RICH  (By the way
I got a tererific birthday card this year--It said "you are what you eat, so
eat rich food"  --  get it--so you'll be rich!!)

Bottom line:  Suggest she see a Certified Diabetes Educator and have the
educator recommend a good RD.

Hope this helps,
Martha Brower (Queen Costume)