Hi Em & crackers
Shock tactics suggested by Dennis may actually work very well, just dont come over harsh to him or anything, he probably thinks you are all nagging him and this will make him even more stubborn, he is in denial and if he suddenly makes changes he will feel that his pride is hurt because you guys have been right all along, and deep down he knows it anyway and is probable quite scared too.
Ok, he has had all the info plus your begging and pleading and it hasnt worked so its time to try a different approach (tell what does he actually say when you are all telling him off and pleading with him?)
Just tell him quietly,not accusingly (needs strength I know) next time he is stuffing himself 'ok Dad, we have all talked for years and it hasnt got through to you, to be honest Dad all this is stressing us out big time and is not good for any of us, you are an adult and we all have to face consequences of our actions,. We wont have a go at you anymore, you have choices, then just bite your tongue for a few weeks or so, talk to each other for support, come in here for support but just totally normal around your Dad.
After a few weeks, maybe 4 or so, present him with a funeral plan and all that stuff that Dennis suggested, again make sure you are not accusing or anything, just totally normal and its the sensible thing to do isnt it, for anyone, no matter if they are ill or not or whatever age they are, assure Dad that he is not old but do not mention diabetes, if he clicks on that this is done in relation to diabetes he will rebel more, say you have done this and your next door neighbour has and whatever, everyone should...
I too was in denial for years, with lots of complications, I was barely able to walk, was constantly sick because I had gastroparesis, neuropathy up to my knees and was smelling like a walking bottle of nail polish remover, constantly sweating and sleeping only waking up to stuff my face with chips and cakes and junk. And still didnt take notice, everyone, incl my little boy was pleading with me to do something about this, it wasnt until I developed diabetic foot, a huge ulcer on the ball of my toe, and it wouldnt heal it just got bigger and refused to do anything, nurses coming in 3 times a day giving me injections and all sorts and I still went to secretly stuff myself with sugary and greasy food, till my husband said ok,I am going to call in mental health services and have you sectioned under the mental health act as you are a danger to yourself, that did it for me then. I was so extremely lucky, I fought back, with lots and lots of support and I am really well now, and off medication too and even my legs are back to being hairy again, I could put a rugby player to shame with them!
I dare say your Dad is a comfort eater, he probably thinks like I used to, 'food is the only pleasure that I have left' dont go overboard straight away with changing his diet, do it slowly, bit by bit and maybe he and your Mum could loook into trying something newj together, food as well as activities, it would help to get out of the rut, just dont mention diabetes, say something like 'is this it for the rest of our lives, I feel like I am getting old, come on lets try to liven us up a bit'
I know now I have rambled here, but I hope that you understand what I am trying to tell you here, use some psychology on him, no more telling him off or nagging, just go with the flow and throw in some new things in there now and then starting off with the funeral bit.
Does Dad use a computer? Bring him to this forum but dont let him read the posts here otherwise he will know what a deceiving lot we can be
All the best to all of you
Karen x
Challenges can be stumbling blocks or stepping stones, it depends how you view them