T2 I thought I was doing so well, until my last A1C

When I was diagnosed, my doctor told me that if I could lose 50 pounds, it would make a significant difference. I lost weight, but didn't really make a dent in that 50 pound goal until the past year. I've lost about 20 pounds in the past year or so, which puts me about 35 or so below where I was when I was diagnosed.

My A1C has been really stable for the past 5 years, hovering at around 7. As a result, I haven't been monitoring my daily levels, and I only have been getting the A1C tested every 6 months to a year.

It had been close to a year since my last one (7.1), and since I had lost so much weight since then, I was really excited to see where I was this week. I've also been much better about the occasional sugary snack, and don't eat nearly as many sweets as I used to. I've also been making an effort to be more physically active.

However, my A1C was 7.8. Perhaps its an overreaction, but I was devastated.

I feel like all my work was wasted, and the only option I have left is to be super strict on eliminating all major sources of carbs. Experience has shown me that I really can only do an "all or nothing" approach to monitoring my food. Counting exchanges, controlling portions, etc., have all resulted in my eventually getting more and more lenient.

My wife is concerned about my eating too much protein. I've heard about keto diets, looked a bit at some of the research on high protein diets and diabetes, but the information I've seen seems contradictory.

Some research says high levels of protein can damage the kidneys, particularly for diabetics. Other sources say there's not enough evidence to determine the long term impact of high protein diets on diabetics. Others seem to imply that it's a great thing for keeping your blood sugar under control.

Any suggestions for where I should get started on finding out how to best approach my diet? I'm going to see my doctor this week, and of course I'll ask him, but unfortunately I've once again had to change doctors (they keep leaving the area), so I've never met this doctor before, and have no idea if he is any good.