Useful Tools I've found since diagnosis and to control type 2 diabetes

(Disclaimer: I'm not a Dr, Dietician or expert on Type 2 diabetes. This blog and the other entries is based on my experience and what works best for me)

Tools

- good glucose meter, alcohol prep, lancing device and lancets.

You don't need a fancy meter.  Preps, lancets, meter and strips can be purchased off the shelf at some retailers and most pharmacies without a prescription, unless you have insurance. If you need to purchase a meter check the price of the strips first. I have several meters but use my ReliOn Prime on a day to day basis because the price of glucose testing strips is considerably less than Contour Next EZ and TruTest. I'm one of million uninsured Americans so I pay cash for diabetic testing supplies.

-glucose buddy or written log.
I have glucose buddy on my  Android phone so I can keep track of my numbers, weight, blood pressure etc.

Pro- it's more convenient than writing down each number and it's more organized

Con- if phone crashes or need to upgrade , my record might be lost.

Regardless if you use a written record, glucose buddy or another application it's important to keep track. If your familiar with Microsoft Excel you can record your glucose using spreadsheets but use whatever works best for you.

-Nutrition Labels

Even if something says sugar free or no added sugar doesn't mean it's good for you. Look at the amount of sugar or carbohydrates a product has before eating it. It's best to avoid processed foods if at all possible.

Carbohydrates will raise your glucose as will sugar and starchy foods.

Foods marketed as low calorie foods generally contain sugar and large amounts of carbohydrates.

- some foods containing starch or natural sugar should be eaten in moderation

Online resources

-American Diabetes Association and it's forum.
-WebMd
-Blogs

Like most people with Type 2 diabetes my numbers spike on occasion. I have the typical reaction to carbohydrates, sugar and starchy foods. I try to keep carbohydrates below 25g a day.  My friend who's also diabetic eats more carbs than I do but she barely spikes.

Food affects us differently, so find what works best for you.