Hi
I've been finding out information over several months as my boyfriend has Type 1 Diabetes - 20+ years - and I want to support him as much as I can. However he doesn't always make this easy for me as he's one of those men for whom talking about his feelings and so on is nigh on impossible. I've talked a bit with his specialists at the Diabetes Clinic when I've gone with him to his appointments; diet, exercise; monitoring sugar levels, using a glucagen and such like. However they don't seem concerned about how his Diabetes effects me mentally. I get told I'm not alone and other partners of Diabetics go through it too. I know they do but that doesn't help!
Often I feel quite alone in what he puts me through and I don't know where to turn for help. He has had a number of hypos this year and they are as emotionally draining for me as they are for him but he doesn't appreciate what he puts me through. When he is dipping, I have to encourage him to eat or drink before he gets below 3.5 otherwise he starts to get angry, often swears telling me to 'go away', lashes out and, if on the floor, rolls around preventing me from getting food/drink into him readily. It is really difficult to remain calm in order to get him back to himself sometimes but somehow I do.
So much of the advice I find is directed at the Diabetic and I don't know where to look for help and support for me. What advice there is is quite general.
We've been together almost 2 years and I've tried really hard to support him but I'm getting to end of my tether, even though he's really special.
The same goes for Diabetics and sex. There is plenty of advice for Diabetics and how to manage their sex life but not for a partner whose desires are ignored. Again it is brushed aside as unimportant because he doesn't feel like it. He does suffer from ED and can get Viagra on prescription if he chooses. Generally he does not choose. He has suffered from depression and is estranged from most of his family.
He can be sensitive and gentle but all too often he gets caught up in his anger at having Diabetes. I feel he's never really accepted having Diabetes and this is slowly eroding our relationship.
Any advice most welcome. Thanks.
I've been finding out information over several months as my boyfriend has Type 1 Diabetes - 20+ years - and I want to support him as much as I can. However he doesn't always make this easy for me as he's one of those men for whom talking about his feelings and so on is nigh on impossible. I've talked a bit with his specialists at the Diabetes Clinic when I've gone with him to his appointments; diet, exercise; monitoring sugar levels, using a glucagen and such like. However they don't seem concerned about how his Diabetes effects me mentally. I get told I'm not alone and other partners of Diabetics go through it too. I know they do but that doesn't help!
Often I feel quite alone in what he puts me through and I don't know where to turn for help. He has had a number of hypos this year and they are as emotionally draining for me as they are for him but he doesn't appreciate what he puts me through. When he is dipping, I have to encourage him to eat or drink before he gets below 3.5 otherwise he starts to get angry, often swears telling me to 'go away', lashes out and, if on the floor, rolls around preventing me from getting food/drink into him readily. It is really difficult to remain calm in order to get him back to himself sometimes but somehow I do.
So much of the advice I find is directed at the Diabetic and I don't know where to look for help and support for me. What advice there is is quite general.
We've been together almost 2 years and I've tried really hard to support him but I'm getting to end of my tether, even though he's really special.
The same goes for Diabetics and sex. There is plenty of advice for Diabetics and how to manage their sex life but not for a partner whose desires are ignored. Again it is brushed aside as unimportant because he doesn't feel like it. He does suffer from ED and can get Viagra on prescription if he chooses. Generally he does not choose. He has suffered from depression and is estranged from most of his family.
He can be sensitive and gentle but all too often he gets caught up in his anger at having Diabetes. I feel he's never really accepted having Diabetes and this is slowly eroding our relationship.
Any advice most welcome. Thanks.
I hope you both get some support and advice very soon, for both your sakes. Best wishes to you both RRB
