Family member with type 1 diabetes

[Helenmaryfern]

Hi everyone. My 72 year old type one diabetic mother in law has recently moved in with us. Me and my husband don't know much about diabetes. Where is the best place to find out more so we can support and care for her. What would you guys reccomend?
(other than asking her which obviously we have been doing too!!) Thanks

 

[therower]

Hi @Helenmaryfern . Welcome to the forum.
Diabetes especially T1 is quite a complex condition as you may well be aware.
My first question to you would be..........is your MIL on the ball so to speak?
How as she been managing her diabetes in past years and upto this point?
Is she a person who is capable of still managing her diabetes?

It can be very difficult for someone without diabetes to fully understand the condition.

Does your MIL have a dsn ( diabetic specialist nurse ) you can contact? A dsn should know past control, management criteria relating to your MIL. A dsn should be able to give advice to you as well.

It's difficult to give specific answers without specific questions, but this forum has some very knowledgeable diabetics, who will be more than happy to help all three of you.

Good luck.

 

[Deleted Account]

Diabetes UK have just launched their online "Learning Zone".
This seems to provide a good introduction to diabetes (type 1 and 2) and is available at https://www.diabetes.org.uk/learningzone

 

[Juicyj]

Hello and welcome @Helenmaryfern

Apart from using this site to find out more about type 1:https://www.diabetes.co.uk/controlling-type1-diabetes.html
The NHS offers some practical information here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/type-1-diabetes/living-with/
Diabetes UK: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/what-is-type-1-diabetes

If you have specific questions regarding medication of insulin and doses then you will need to speak to her Diabetic team, however if she is pretty capable then she should be managing ok herself in doing this.