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Helping My Dad

H

HelpingDad1987

Newbie
Messages
3
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Hi guys. What a wonderful forum. I'm really glad I have found it as I need some advise and help with my dad.

My father has type 2 diabetes and has done for quite a while and considering we've all known about it we have been very ignorant in shying away from keeping on top of the disease. My dad has never been very good with foods and has a sweet tooth. When we have kept on top of the diabetes with the insulin injections and writing down his blood/sugar levels he has done quite well and looked a lot better than he does but sadly over the past 8 to 10 months we have seen another fall in weight and after some questioning he admitted he has stopped taking his insulin all together.

As said previously he really isn't a good eater and at times loses his appetite. He binges on fizzy drinks and sweets. I know that personally he has been stressed over the past few years with personal issues which obviously hasn't helped matter but I am trying now to get him back on track.

I took his blood sugar last night for the first time in month which came to 16.3 and this morning after breakfast (two weetabix and hot milk) it was even higher at 18.3

I really want him to take it seriously, cut the fizzy, sugary **** and try and at least stabilize himself and feel better about himself. I will try my best to stay on his backside and make him realise that he is digging himself an early grave the way he has been going.

I on going to try and update this thread with all the relevant news on my dads recovery but advice and help from others would be gladly accepted and indeed wanted.

Thanks

Matt
 
Sorry your dad is struggling and not taking his insulin.
I am type2 but am not on Insulin and I, m honest in saying that I have no clue and am ignorant about insulin.
I would advice your dad to see his doctor or diabetic nurse.

Edited by a mod
 
Hi Matt :)

Stress can make it hard to keep on top of diabetes. Stopping insulin can be a bad idea as his blood sugar can go very high. Have you asked him why he's stopped the insulin? Is it because he's feeling depressed? Is it because he's struggling with his diet and adjusting the insulin?

Does he have a diabetes specialist nurse he sees?
 
Hi guys,

Thanks for your replies. He has been quite depressed about a few things and part of it is indeed his diabetes. His right leg hurts and he finds it hard to walk for long periods. He has lost a lot of muscle mass and thats the main worry for me. Its trying to get it back on. I need help on diet, ways for my dad to put weight on again.

Ulimately though he didn't take any advice. We used to go and see the diabetic nurse at the local surgery but it wasn't very thorough and IMO she didn't come across like it was in any way a serious problem. I think he needed scaring but she didn't give anything like that off. He hasn't been to see her for a good 6 months.
 
If his blood sugar has been high a lot, that might affect his weight aswell as his diet. Sometimes people with diabetes can be in denial. It's not uncommon. Diabetes can be a big change to someone's lifestyle.

Does your dad live alone? Do you think it's being down rather than 'laziness' that's making him neglect his diet and not take his insulin? It's hard to comment when we don't know your dad or his situation. Would he take advice from you?

Has he seen a doctor about his leg pain?
 
We all live together which makes this whole situation even more of a galling issue. We should really have kept on top of things but I guess life gets in the way. I don't think he has been in denial it's more laziness for sure. He knows he is in a bad place but his feelings of negativity coupled with a reluctance to work on himself has gotten to this point.

I actually have to go to the doctors on Tuesday so will book an appointment with the diabetic nurse. They have done all of the checks on his legs before. I think I remember saying there was a few issues but nothing that was too severe.

Right at this point its cutting all of the sugary drinks and sweets out. I'm trying my best to keep an eye on him.
 
Once he gets out of routine, it can be hard getting back into it. I'd try to introduce things gradually - so get the insulin going again (if you're confident doing so), get the blood testing routine started up, and perhaps ditch the sugary drinks or at least swap them for diet ones.

I'm sure you are trying your best :) He's an adult and you can only do so much.

Maybe think what would motivate him and use that approach? Hard facts help some people but make others switch off and bury their hand in the sand. Some people respond to being told how much they're worrying the people who care about them, but others don't. If you're able to, maybe a chat and 'making a plan together' might be a possible start.

Yes, do speak to the nurse. It's a worry he's stopped his insulin.
 
I would start by trying to get the whole family involved so he does not feel alone with the condition and it often helps to get the whole family to eat the same and show the way
 
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