Not taking this seriously!

[Rachel1569]

Hi,
I have come looking for some advice. I do not have diabetes myself, my sister does. She has only known a few months, but I don't think she is taking it as seriously as she should be. To be honest I think she plays on it a bit and uses it for attention, but not in the right way.

She is 30, she still lives at home with our parents, with her boyfriend and their 2 yr old daughter. She is very overweight, and rarely goes out. Neither of them work and she eats very unhealthy food, which consequently my niece is fed as well. (crisps, cheese and chocolate etc). Every time I see her she looks even bigger.

I'm getting quite scared because she seems to be in this bubble where she does not realise the seriousness of what will happen to her if she carries on like this. I try and hint all the time about getting out, exercising and eating right. But no one seems to be listening to me.

Its frustrating seeing this and am hoping for some advice on how I can make her see what she is doing to herself. If she doesn't change she is not just harming herself but her beautiful girl.

 

[BeccaJaneStClair]

I know people who were like your sister and honestly, it took them being admitted to the hospital before they really started to change their life around. I think the best thing you can do is be supportive of her and if possible, could you have her over to your house for a meal once in a while? If you cook her healthy, good tasting food, it might prompt her to want to eat like that always. Or give your niece healthy treats when you visit her so that she can learn that there is more to life than chocolate and crisps!

Good luck!

 

[sweetLea]

What do your parents think about all this? Is the child's father any help?
Have you tried getting your sister to look at pictures of diabetic leg ulcers or other diabetic complications? Harsh, I know but sometimes it takes something horrible to make some people realise what is going on.
I hope this will all work out ok in the end.