Both - his last Hba1c was December and it was up slightly, it was 48. He is starting to creep up the carbs now, not counted recently and maybe that's some of the problem. He has a plate of porridge with water and cream every morning - he won't give that up! - and that takes up some carbs. He isn't skinny , he has a 36" waist so yes I'd say possibly it might work. I just don't want to worry that I'm starving him, you know? But maybe as you say, a short sharp blast of less would be enough .. He is 70 this year and is wondering if maybe at his age it just does get worse.