Diabetes | Diabetes Tips

Question: Help controlling diabetes?

(Posted by: Lll on 2010-02-07 10:10:31)

My dad has been diabetic his whole life, but i am so angry at him because he doesn't exercise, have a special diet , or weigh any of his food, he also eats lots of snacks like crisps and biscuits and lies to his doctor about having problems. his blood sugar gets really low about five times a week and either my mum or me have to feed him glucose, and he never remembers "loosing it " so he thinks that we are lying - sometimes he'll hit me or my mum or colapse and he won't even remember. I've tried to tell to him to watch what he eats or go to the doctor but he won't listen to me. How can i convince him that there is a problem? What will hapen to him if he doesn't control his blood sugar? Is it just his diet or could there be something else? please help, :( avanida won't work he's got type 1 diabetes.

Posted by: Bux - Type 2 Diabetic (NIDDM) on 2010-02-07, 10:26:48

Oh boy is that a tough question. Your dad is in denial over his disease. Or he is severely depressed about it. He could be depressed about other things as well. He would need psychiatric counseling as well as better control over his disease. His self destructive behavior is not only hurting himself, he's hurting your family. He can easily develop neuropathy, blindness, and even kidney failure. He is risking his life for some bad foods. Hypoglycemia can kill him NOW. High blood sugar can kill him later. He is in the habit of eating bad foods and over medicating, which can kill him, sooner or later. One way might be to prove to him that there is a problem is to video record what he's doing, then play it back to him. Keep a well hidden journal, stating the date, time, and problems. You might need that later, if it comes down to it. Also, even though he's your dad, he still shouldn't hit you or your mom. Perhaps a few nights in jail for assault might give him a wake up call? Or call 911 if he's going to be violent. You not only could save his life, but yours and your mom's too. Compassion only goes so far before you and your mom will eventually be in danger over his violent behavior. His diet and medication pattern are what's causing many of the problems. How about just not having snacks in the house? Your mom should call his doctor for advice.

Posted by: kecgoddess on 2010-02-07, 10:59:55

That is a hard question - I am an insulin dependent diabetic and was diagnosed at age 26. Does he take insulin? Does he test his blood sugar? It sounds like he is all over the place with high blood sugar and low blood sugar - if he doesnt test his blood sugar, then it is pretty much impossible to know how to treat for it. I dont think there is a way to convince him there is a problem. I had to end up in the hospital a couple of times because of dehydration before it really opened my eyes. I hate to say it but maybe call the ambulance the next time he has an episode and they will take him in and do a work up on him in the hospital. That is really the only thing I can think of. It really sounds like he is in denial. I lost over 115 pounds within the first year of diagnosis and it was horrible. When your sugar is high, you feel like crap - nausea, no energy - your body is basically consuming itself - it starts with the fat in your body, then it goes to the muscles and then to major organs. But,. along the way there is the nerve damage, kidney damage, eye damage - too many to list. People usually die from the complications from the disease - it is not pretty. I am on an insulin pump and very lucky because I have great control!! Good luck with your father - I hope this helps!!