Hi Jdom, with type-2 diabetics the body's cells become increasingly resistant to insulin. As a reaction to the body's increased resistance, the pancreas produces more and more insulin. But no matter how much insulin the pancreas produces, blood glucose levels continue to rise. After years of increased insulin production, the pancreas finally gives up and stops producing insulin altogether.

As a type-1 diabetic, your body is not insulin resistant like mine is. You need insulin because your pancreas does not make any (or makes very little, I am not sure on this point.)

My pancreas, on the other hand, makes insulin; my body just refuses to use the insulin I make to metabolize glucose. For some reason (and I am not sure that doctors quite know the reason) the cells in the bodies of type-2 diabetics become more and more insulin resistant. That is why I needed increased doses of insulin.

Exercise, especially aerobic exercise, has the ability to "unlock" certain cell receptors so that insulin can "get in" and glucose may be metabolized. For me, riding my bike (and a better diet) has enabled me to drastically lower my A1c numbers and to reduce the amount of insulin that I need to take.

I am fortunate to have a very good doctor who stayed with me even during my "denial" stage. If anyone is interested, PM (or email) me and I will give you her name.

BTW, as the days become shorter I will not be able to ride as many miles. Consequently, I will need to start doing more indoor training. If anyone has a recommendation for a good trainer (especially a fluid one) that will not break the bank, I would to hear from you.

Regards...