Okay, I'm 24 and I've had diabetes since I was 10. For the first five years, I was doing very well, taking 70/30, Regular and NPH. Eventually, I fumbled, and started going out of control. When I was 19, I was rushed to the ER for ketoacidosis, and the doctors changed my insulin.

Since then, I've been taking Lantus and Humalog, one shot of Lantus at night, and three shots of Humalog for each meal.

I'll admit that I still haven't been taking great care of myself...all except for the last 9-10 months. I have taken all of my shots, increased insulin to bring my blood sugars down, stopped eating sweets and all those bad carbs, and did everything possible to make things right.

January, when I started all this, I was perfect. Vision included. For the next eight months, still perfect. However, last month, I woke up with a floater...and was eventually diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy.

Also, for just this year, it has been very difficult to run my blood sugars lower than 150. I have, but it almost feels like I'm going into a convulsion.

Even then, my health is going to hell. I have less feeling in my feet and ankles. I'm tired after only three hours of working (and I can't even work right now because of my vision).

Yesterday, I went in for my second laser eye treatment, on my good eye (no floater or blurriness). Over 24 hours later, I can't read a thing and can barely type (using the corner of my eye).

Questions...

1) Why does it seem like taking care of yourself is a bad thing?
2) After the laser treatment on my good eye, is it supposed to be blurry, and how long will it be that way?
3) Aspartame...is this a true story, that it causes problems with diabetics? I drink a great deal of diet soda.
4) In your opinion, what's the best insulin to use (or combo, however you regulate your sugars)?
5) I heard a rumor that too much insulin can ruin your nerves in your hands and feet, and lead to neuropathy. Since taking more insulin and "taking care of myself" I've started to experience this with larger doses of Humalog. Any truth behind this?
6) Is there any alternatives to taking insulin without injections for Type I diabetics? The inhaler? Anything? Not as important, but it would be nice.

Thanks for any replies. I really appreciate it.

I can't answer all of your questions, but I can touch on a few.

Aspartame- I personally do not see a problem with this. I use it regularly with no problems.

Best insulin- I personally feel whatever basal/bolus regimen works best for you is best. This includes either Lantus or Levemir as the basal insulin, and Apidra, Humalog, or Novolog as the bolus insulin. The bolus dose should be based on your pre-meal blood sugar and how many carbohydrates you are consuming for that meal. An injection should be taken every time you eat. Or you can use a pump, which I feel is the best method overall, though understand is not feasible for everyone either due to financial or personal concerns.

Insulin does NOT lead to neuropathy, uncontrolled diabetes does.

The insulin inhaler was the only alternative to injected insulin, and that was just pulled off the market. You could use a pump if you wanted, or a device called the IPort if injections are a concern. The IPort is like a pump infusion set, except you inject into it. There's also the Insuflon, which is line an angled version of the IPort.