The band is just a tool...alot of hard work and exercise to make the tool work the way that everyone wants it to. I mean if you never exercise you will see some weight loss but not the numbers that you would love to see. As far as being diabetic, I can only tell you of my experience. I was diabetic, had my first prescription in my hand for insulian when I decided that I didn't want anything to do with being diabetic. So I found a hospital that was offering a weight loss seminar, meet with the doctor that night (that was October of 2006) filled out all the paperwork and got the process started. I had surgery January 18, 2007. I haven't had to check my sugar levels, and I never needed to fill that prescription either. I only have to take my thyroid medication and even that has dropped levels. I love my Band.