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I am a 31 yr old male diagnosed as diabetic in mid-November, 2000.  Blood
sugar readings have been 240-515 since January.  Oral treatment of
Glucophage (metformin) 500 mg for 3 weeks, 1000 mg for 2 weeks had no
noticeable effects on the readings, although they raised slightly, and
Glucophage was discontinued.  I then took 2 mg of Amaryl (Glimepiride) for 3=

weeks with no apparent benefits.

Average Blood Sugar at Morning Fast - pre-medication:       256
   "      "     "   "     "     "   - Glucophage (500 mg):  262
   "      "     "   "     "     "   - Glucophage (1000 mg): 296
   "      "     "   "     "     "   - Amaryl (2 mg):        282

A recent CAT scan revealed "swollen lymph nodes around the small bowel"
which prompted an upcoming "small bowel follow through" (March 13).

I began reading up on Celiac disease (March 8).  All of my rather ambiguous
symptoms seemed to come together and fit the pattern of Celiac disease;
also, I am of Irish descent (dermatitis on right shin, foul gas and stools,
pain in lower left abdomen, severe abdominal cramps in the middle of the
night probably 20 times over the last 6 months).  I also have a prominent
white build up in the corners of my eyes each morning.  My eye doctor told
me it was an allergy of some form (prior to diabetes diagnosis)?  I've also
had Psoriasis since I was 3 or 4 yrs old.

I've gone from 167 lbs in Mid-November to 137 lbs at present.  I'm 6' in
height so I'm getting extremely thin and growing concerned.  I've been
off Glutens for 4 days and I've stopped all medication since I know the
diabetes won't kill me in the short term.  The doctor has prescribed 8
mg Amaryl in combination with 15 mg Actos (Pioglitazone) but I'm going
to stay off all meds for a week.  I figure that if I am indeed a Celiac,
the inherent malabsorbtion may actually be preventing proper uptake of
the meds and that I should get the intestinal mucosa back in shape
before concluding what meds will actually have an effect on the
diabetes. I had a C-peptide test and that indicates that I am indeed
producing some insulin; enough that the doctor said my "readings
shouldn't be as high as they are".  I'm a little concerned because the
next and last option for control of the diabetes appears to be insulin.
I'm not opposed to insulin but I want to be VERY sure that I need it.
Also, I still don't understand how exogenous insulin will help me if my
own insulin isn't working?  I'm not sure he has considered Celiac
Disease yet (I've tentatively diagnosed myself) but I'= ll be informing
him of my thoughts soon.  Interestingly, I had to get glasses in October
but as of yesterday (3 days GF), my distance vision seems to have return
to normal although the blood sugar is still about 300.  I attribute this
to being GF; is this possible?

I'm not even really sure I have, or can pose, a single question.  I guess
I'm looking for someone with a similar history to provide some sound advice
as to how I should proceed?  I'm most concerned with the weight loss.  My
abdominal problems had become much more apparent since I changed to my
diabetic diet with whole wheat bread comprising much of my carbohydrate;
although today I feel the best I have in months.  Also, I love pasta but
after each meal for the last year or two my stomach would swell up
substantially after the meal.

Will the weight loss cease on a gluten free diet in the short term?  Is
there a chance that the allergy/intolerance to gluten is actually inducing
an autoimmune attack on my pancreas? And, if so, will the progression of the
diabetes stop with the adoption of the gluten free diet?  Given my symptoms,=

is there something more serious that I should be aware of?

Apologies for the length of the posting but I'm in serious need of some
sound advice.

Sinc