Well, "congratulations" on joining that club. Full of irony, of course.

From a healthcare provider's standpoint, I'm glad that you were sick, and got caught. I'm sure your sugar was more than 400 - that by itself USUALLY isn't too symptomatic. Chances are their handheld meter just tops out at 400. When you finally get your insurance (subtle hint!) and talk to your doc, have him get copies of your blood work and see your real numbers.

Diabetes sucks. It's a crummy disease. you usually feel fine, but are suddenly at increased risks for all sorts of things. If you want details, pm me. I try to be brutally honest with all my DKA and newly-diagnosed patients, b/c I don't think that many of them realize how deleterious this can be (sort of like high blood pressure).

The best advice? Lose weight. I don't care how, really, as long as you're not eating less and puking more. It's possible that you can "reverse" diabetes with a healthy weight and body fat index. Even if you don't, you get much better control over your sugars.

Good luck!