The only thing that helped my arthritis before I went into diabetes was giving up sugar. I could really feel the improvement when I would stop the home made ice cream and carrot cake, heavily iced. When I gave up all sugar with diabetes, I couldn't decide what helps improve arthritis anymore. No, I have studied gout and know that I did not have that problem because I ate too well for that. When the doctor prescribed metformin and the endocrinologist said two pills instead of one at night, I thought that was to carry me through to morning, but apparently that is not the case. My son and I argue over when to take the pills, and I do better with the numbers than he.
In the summer I eat too much fruit and enjoy a cold dinner. The homemade ice cream last night did a number on me, for sure. I will send the rest to my family next door. I think I need to give up so much sweetener because I read it fools your body. I would rather discipline myself with eating than resort to insulin shots. They sent insulin home with my husband and said to give it when his blood sugar reached 200. He ignored that and continued his overeating. I had to throw the shots out. He didn't test. He thought he knew better than the doctors. Most obstinate man I ever knew and I lived with him 50 years until he died. That experience motivates me well to behave.
My goal was to give up the Metformin, but I am not reaching that goal. I am thankful for everyone's support. Dorisena