I've been a diabetic for several years, probably more years than I have been diagnosed, as a result of stress induced by undiagnosed kidney stones and gallstones simultaneously, and a diagnosed 2nd wife. In my family diabetes appears as a genetic problem on both sides. On my father's side, diabetes usually makes it's appearance by the mid 50's and is controlled by medication and diet. On my mother's side, diabetes occurs only if the person is overweight and much later in life. In spite of having diabetes and being extremely overweight for more than 30 years, my mother's father lived until he chose to die in his mid 90's. May I be so able. I currently treat myself by taking Glucophage and Glipizide, along with exercise. I am undergoing a change in life style by losing weight and eating lightly as a diabetic should. My weight goal is 160 pounds which is a bit down from 260 pounds, 10 years ago. I am just over 20 pounds from this goal (Today is 6/14/2001), having lost 30 pounds in the past 3 months. If it were not for job related stress, my blood serum level would be less than 100. A year ago it remained over 200. Even with the stress currently in my life, I am maintaining a 100-120 blood serum over a 10 day average.