Hi AKROSEY49,
I think there are a few topics already started here for diabetes - look through them also.
Sounds like you are doing the right stuff. I know what you mean about the wake up call. I needed the same wake up call 3 times, so I hope you learn sooner
I was diagnosed at 36 - with high, but on the low-side blood sugars. Got sugar into control very fast and lost about 70 lbs. Gained again. Lost again. Gained again (all over about 7 years), till by last July was up to my all-time high in weight and sugars.
Was also on meds for first time for the last year before that. Suddenly I HEARD the wake up call and started losing (have lost 110 lbs since July 9th, 2001 and got off meds as of last December). Not sure what the trigger was, but it definitely is working.
Anyway - feel free to post any questions or whatever. The only specific I will add is something you already seem to know - get out and exersize. Even if you just go for a walk. I am lucky in that I love my exersize, and being single and have a job that allows for lunch walks, etc. plus I swim) and do about 1-1.5 hours of aerobic a day plus weights 2-3 X week (now - did not start there). But lots of folks on the diabetes forum I read say they have better luck just doing a 15-20 minute walk after each meal.