Mike,
I'm an insulin dependent type II diabetic and will be riding the Tour D' Cure also. I'll be on a yellow Bachetta Giro 26, look for me at the ride & we can talk nutrition.
Last year the TDC did a meet and greet with some folks from Team Type I and Team Type II, it was well worth the trip to go pick their minds as to what worked nutrition wise for them. Keep in mind, we are all different. What works for them, might not work for you.
Personally I try and balance carbs and protien before a ride, (this morning was a PB&J on whole wheat, (low/no sugar jelly)). I also find yogurt to be a good source for pre-ride proteins. Depending on the weather eggs, lean sausage and cheese can work their way into my morning breakfasts. Although as it gets warm, my stomach doesn't like heavier foods as much.
Fruits and simple carbs tend to send my blood sugar up and down like a roller coaster, adding protein into the mix tends to slow down the blood sugar curves.
For on bike stuff I [refer taking small packages of peanuts or almonds to supplement my Clif bars and gels. Clif used to make Clif Shot Roks which had a great balance of carbs to protein and worked really well for me but for some reason they stopped making them. I just wish I'd bought a large batch of them when I still could.
Take a wander through my blog
HERE... However I will apologize in advance for my lack of writing ability...
Semper Fi