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Diabetes and depression?

J

Julie73

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Hi, Please help my father in law was diagnosed with diabetes type 2 approx 5 years ago. Fairly recently his moods have become very erratic, he can be completely irrational and refuses to speak to anyone. He also suffers memory loss. During these periods he doesnt eat very much. He usually comes round and is ok again, this time it's been 8 weeks and it's not getting any better. I'm very worried about his wife who is scared of going to the doctors as he says its all her fault and he is fine. He always tells the doctor he's ok when he does have a check up.

Could his diabetes and lack of food be causing these symptoms? He is on diabetic tablets. He is 71.
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Julie
 
Hi Julie.
Diabetics are more prone to depression and bad bs-levels affect mood but whether this is diabetes-related is impossible to tell without knowing more. I think you and your husband should contact your fil's GP and ask him to check it up.
Best of luck
 
Hi Julie

I guess your problem is a) getting FIL to GP and b) getting him to be honest.

Agree with fenix about hubby or MIL getting in touch with GP.

Also, since diagnosis has he changed his diet/tested? I think if my dad (75) was diagnosed he would change a thing.

Perhaps if he isn't you could buy him a meter and try to get him interested in how different food affect his BG levels he might think more positively?

Hope he gets sorted.

Mary x
 
There is an article here about depression in the elderly which may help you to understand what he is going through.
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_elderly.htm

As with any age group, depression is not always recognised by the sufferer but those around them.
Get his wife to go to the G.P. and explain what is going on. The G.P. will not break any confidentiality but may well ask relevant questions when your relative goes to his next appointment.

Try and be patient with him, easier said than done I know. The trouble is that the whole family suffers until a diagnosis and treatment are started.

Take care and I hope things improve soon for everyone.

CC.
 
Thank you all for your advice.

I know the answer is visiting the doctors. This is easier said than done, simply because if he found out we had been his wife is worried about his reaction. We have been told that the doctors won't tell him anyone has reported him unless he asks, then they would have to.

We are being patient, he's just being incredably subborn!! When he has been tested his bs levels must be ok and he tells the doc he's fine.

Thanks again, it's good to know support is out there xx
 
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