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Support for family members

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whiterabbit

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Hi,

My dad has type 2 diabetes and was diagnosed about 9 years ago. His diet is atrocious, he's overweight, does zero exercise and his mood and behaviour has changed significantly in the last 3 years. His current average blood sugar level is at best between 8 and 11.8.

I currently live with my parents and each day I see what he consumes and how it affects his moods. It has had a great impact on the whole family (he's very snappy, argumentative, grumpy and sulky) and is difficult to see him this way. I have tried ignoring his eating habits, asking him if he should be putting a 3 dessertspoon fulls of jam on his toast each morning, emailing him diabetic diet sheets and nothing seems to be helping.

I love him very much but our father / daughter relationship has greatly deteriorated in the last 2 years. I don't think he seems to realise what he is doing to himself or the impact his condition has on the family.

I suppose I'm asking if anyone has any tips on how I can be more supportive and try and help him live with type 2 diabetes more easily. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
Hello, whiterabbit, and welcome!

I'm sorry no one has been able to answer your post yet, but I'm sure someone will come along soon. There is a thread on here somewhere started by a lady who was having similar problems with her husband. I think you might find it helpful in your dealings with your father, but I'm sorry, I can't for the life of me remember where it is on the forum!

Meanwhile, it may be worth attempting to see your father's doctor. I'm sure he (or she) won't actually discuss things with you - confidentiality! - but you could ask him just to listen while you tell him your concerns. That might get you some help.

I'm sure someone with more experience of this than me will be able to help you. Don't despair if no-one answers very soon - not everybody comes on line every day. Have a good read round - you'll find lots of info about Type 2 on here.

Best wishes

Viv 8)

1 edit for typo
 
Hi,
It must be frustrating for you to be so helpless and not know what to do.

You could see if there is a local support group in your area. Even if dad wont go, you might be able to speak to family members of other people with diabetes to see how they cope,
http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Get_involved ... ry-groups/

It may be that he is in denial and it is not that he doesn't care about his condition but that he is frightened about how he feels. High blood sugars may be the cause of his anger as could his feelings about getting diabetes. Some men find it hard to express themselves.

You could ring http://www.diabetes.org.uk as they do provide help and support there.
Their careline is 0845 120 2960.

Hope this helps a bit.

Take care.

CC.
 
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