Yorksman - it is interesting that you linked to Professor Taylor, because that was one of the first pieces of information I found on the internet following the diagnoses. I actually found the Newcastle Diet and followed this for nearly 5 weeks on the shakes/soups/salads - which got the weight loss off to a grand start! I would have liked to have completed the 8 weeks, but my birthday and 4 day holiday in Portugal stopped me from keeping it up! However, I continued dieting via low carb eating - which is very easy to do in a Mediterranean country!! When I went to see my G.P., I told her about the ND which I was following, and had actually printed off the 'Notes for Doctors' and gave it to her - her sneer was almost audible!! My intention is to restart the VLCD - I have the shakes in already - the intention being to drop another stone or so - and then to continue with a low carb regime. You see - to me the theory behind what Professor Taylor is saying makes sense - and I readily adapt to logical concepts - rather than the totally illogical advice given by NHS in terms of diet. If carbs cause the blood glucose problem - then the logic is to restrict them - not entirely but to a greater degree than our Western diet dictates! I have a way to go - but feel totally unsupported by the medical professionals - almost to the point of being punished! Hence the 'no, you can't have a meter'!!! It is my body, my condition (I can't being myself to call it an illness!) caused through lifestyle - and lifestyle cannot be treated by pills - but by lifestyle changes! There you go - logic again!! I just wish I didn't feel I have to fight those that should be helping me - very frustrating!! I began at 19.4 (15 fasting!) and am now between 5 and 7.5 - but never above - why is that not enough for the medical professionals to concede that I am doing something right - rather than being admonished and punished for not taking pills??!!! It may be that I could be totally wrong - but had I taken the meds, I have no doubt that my success would be attributed to them rather than my own perseverence and determination!! The thing is, I now am clear that my achievements are down to diet/exercise alone, and that if this does fail in the long term, then taking meds would be the next logical thing to do. But I ain't there yet - by any means!!! Thank you for all the encouragement you give - not only to me - but to many other people who use these forums. Some people I have seen on here can be sometimes quite caustic in their comments - but you always give good, sound and clear advice, without prejudice to the views of others. Much appreciated!!