First, I apologise if there's a thread identical in vein, my computer is so slow on this site that it'd be impossible for me to utilise the search functions.

Someone I know has been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes for about a decade now, and, ever since (person's now 66), they've been taking Metformin, 500 mg 3x daily, as well as Actos, 30 mg 1x daily. Of course, there's the weight gain, which sucks the big one, and I'm sure there are additional possible side effects (anyone care to list their personal ones?), but we're looking into treating this disease as holistically as possible, first while combining the 2 methods, and then slowly wean off the meds. Keep in mind while doing this the person I know will eat as organically as possible, will reduce the blatant sugar and carb intake as much as possible, will exercise (walk, stretch, etc.), and of course will monitor sugar levels. Does anyone have any experience with this? Care to share? The person has started taking chromium picolinate, 200 mcg 3x daily. I know New Chapter makes an excellent cinnamon tablet, which we plan to introduce. Anyway I'm rambling and just want this person to reduce their dependency on the meds and battle it as naturally as possible - any info would be appreciated.