Hi!  I was wonderinh how to convince my diabetic father in law to go to the doctor.  He started feeling sick last Friday.  He had horrible mouth pain. He went to the dentist and they took x-rays and told him he didn't have an absest.  They gave him antibotics and tylonel with codene and sent him out the door.  He said that he has since gone back for more meds.  He said no, I asked if they took any blood work he said no.  Well yesterday I got a frantic call from his friend that he has falen like 5 times yesterday and couldn't get up.  Me and my children stayed the night with him to help him out.  He said yesterday he only had a glass of milk because it hurts to chew and swallow.  He had been eating soip preraid in the blender.  So last night I made him drink diabetic meal replacments to get something in him.  He said that he doesn't want to go to the doctor becasue he is supposed to go on Thursday to get his blood drawn for the diabetise.  I am concerend that his blood is out of whack.
132769
It sounds like something is out of whack. I know it can be hard to convince someone to go to the doc...but he needs to. Does he check his blood sugar at home? If so, you need to make sure hes checking it and that its doin ok. About his mouth-that doesn't sound right...he needs to go back and speak with the dentist or something because being a diabetic he has got to be able to eat. My father in law is also diabetic..pretty advanced and he has all sorts of "episodes" like falling, weakness, scrambled thoughts, mood swings and fatigue. Diabetes kills so don't worry about being "pushy" or whatever, tell him its for his health, his future so he needs to not wait and just go make sure everything is ok. Good Luck to you!
207643
Always pleased to further the resaerch into diabetes and it's effects. I have been diabetic for 10 years now and still struggle with the fact i have it. I thinl there should be some kind of couselling form newly diagnosed diabetics but... yeah send those questions on. joelle@melvern.co.uk
136685
My father had 14 heart/artery surgeries in 4 years.  He was also diabetic and could not get his blood sugar under control.  The medicine for his diabetes and his heart were not working.  He could barely walk across the house without his chest hurting or being out of breath.  One night we had an intense prayer service where the presence of God was great.  He walked down the isle praising God, believing that he was being healed.  The day after, he stopped taking medicine.  It has been nearly a year and he is healthier than he has ever been.  I praise God that my dad will be around for years to come.
639318
Call and talk to his GP or better yet to the Gp's nurse.  Tell them he needs to be hospitalized until they can figure out what is going on.  As a nurse I can tell you we have put patients in the hospital for a lot less than what your husband has going on.  Keep calling....don't wait more than an hour for their call back.  The more you aggravate them the quicker he will get a diagnosis....\n\nHope this helps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
318080
Sorry to hear that this is going on. I have worked in a assisted living center and I know this happens. I wish I could find the site that helped me when I saw this going on.(I'll look for it) Talk to a lawyer right away, see if you can get pictures of you eating the meal's they give you. You'll need proof,\nThe problem is that the chef is not a nutritionist and they plan meals as if its for people who can eat anything. Its a sad mess! I don't even think they know how to put a meal together that can count calories for a diabetic. Its a guessing game for them. I can say this is true because of the place I had worked at.\nI would not let any of the staff know that I have reached out for help.
142224
First, he needs to see a diabetic specialist or his family doctor. Ask for an AC1 test. What have his sugars been over the past three months? Has he been snacking? As well, 4 small meals isn't really enough. He should be eating 3 well-balanced meals (your local diabetes association or doctor can help you with this and there are places that can offer advice on nutrition for diabetics) with snacks in between. Remember, raw vegetables are better than cooked and be careful with fruits. Fruits contain sugar and not all fruits contain the same amount fructose. Also, read the ingredients on foods you buy. Some foods contain an outragous amount of sugar even though they say "lite" or "fat-free". Also, remember, less fat is better. How much does he weigh? The more he's overweight, the higher his sugars are likely to go. Exercise is also important. Don't worry about joining the local gym, just a walk in the evening or something like that will do. Maybe a swim. It doesn't have to be difficult. Most of all, though, talk to your doctor. Insulin and medication levels may have to be changed or tests may have to be run. Your doctor is an invaluable resource in this matter. No food in the world is going to do what your husband and your doctor can do.
486270
I have had this disease for over 30 years... it was a gift from my mom who has had it for 65+ years.  The only complication that i recently have is weight gain.(due to taking insulin which is a protein for so long)  This is not the worse disease to have.  When I was first diagnosed the only sugar free item was TAB soda..... so i did stand out alot being "different"\nPlease go to the doctors with your grand child and learn as much as possible.  If she eats 5 small meals a day... tests her blood 4 or more times, exercises, visits her dr. every 3 months.... she will live a long healthy life.  Make sure she stays away from splenda items... this is a sugar.  Eating right and exercising is not a curse... get the whole family to eat the diabetic diet.....and play together..... let her teach you how to test the blood...have her test your blood.. see who has the best #\nThere are support groups for parents and children..... talk to her dr about where and when..... so she won't feel so "different" \nYou are a great grand parent.  I understand your worry... the main thing is to accept her.... go out for a s/f ice cream one night and talk to her about things... but keep an eye on her blood sugar levels... that is the most important...... You will be fine....
412131
First off DO NOT MAKE YOUR KIDS TAKE CARE OF HIM.It isn't their responsibility.It is his to take care of them not the other way around.Next, It didn't do any good to cut down on smoking to lower his blood pressure and then turn around and gain weight.Excessive weight hurts your blood pressure more than anything.He is much more likely to die due to obesity and high b.p. than the smoking.But, really it sounds like he is trading one addiction for another.My be try counseling? Just try to do what you can before he get any larger and gets sicker.My husband never wanted to say anything to  me about my weight because he didn't want to hurt my feeling. I wish he had.I let myself get to 216 pounds.And I ended up with high b.p. I didn't see a problem with my weight or eating habits I am a big girl always have been. And I figured I don't drink,smoke,use drugs.So I am safe from having too many problems I have no addictions like everyone else I know and surely food isn't an addiction it is necessary.I told myself that right up until it almost killed me.Last year at 33 years old I suffered a stroke. And my only plausible risk factor the doctor could find was my obesity.Do what you can to stop him now or lose him later.It won't be easy for him but he must recognize his eating has an addiction.It is important for his survival.
428469
As a person who works with post stroke patients. I agree that you should have him evaluated by a speech therapist. They will eval his swallowing as he eats.    It's a tough thing for a family let alone the patient to go through.   Until you can get him into a specialist try these tips.\n\nVery small bites of food. Try not to make his food runny, too much liquid can gag your dad. You can get a powder called "thicken" probably at the pharmacy or even at a nursing home ( your best bet would be at the nursing home) Follow the directions on the can. You can mix this tasteless powder with all liquids, it does just what then name implies. It thickens the liquids enough so it doesn't choke/gag the patient. Most times the mix looks like a nectur consistency, you can make it thicker or thinner as you need it.    Give it to him by teaspoon, have him sit up straight while eating, give him time to work through the food, remind him to tuck his chin to chis chest as he swallows. He may not eat much at one time so to keep his strength up offer him several "snacks" through out the day. \nIt is important that he gets the nutrition in some way, Ensure, and other supplements can also be thickened.  Good luck and God bless
474991
let your endocrinologist know that you are interested in finding out about other people with the condition in your living area. most places have diabetic camp, groups, annual fund raising, annual get together trips etc..... your Dr. should know of all of these activities. my son has been diabetic since he was 16 months old and he is currently 12 years old. if you would like to email me with your experiences i would be glad to accommodate.
550678
Would you hate your dad if he got cancer ? Would you hate him if he was a diabetic?\n\nWell...he has a disease, called alcoholism. And yes, it's an actual disease, and it can be treated... but your dad has to get help, or his disease will kill him. And until then, it will take away his quality of life, and create difficulties for everyone around him.\n\nIf your dad was a good man before, he will be again... but he needs help. A.A. can help... so can your family doctor.\n\nIn the meanwhile, you need help as well. You need help to understand what your dad's alcoholism is doing to him...and to you. Call "Alanon" Or "ACOA" (adult children of alcoholics)\n\nGood luck!
291618
He needs to make sure he eats well, such as the Zone by Dr. Berry Sears, this plan balances insulin levels with food. He also needs to be getting a full 8 hours of restful sleep each night. And some good whole food nutrition would greatly help him. My father-in-law has very bad diabetes, but when I found this sleep system, meal plan, nutritionals, and some other items, his life has really changed. If you would like more info. just email me.
66076
he should go see a doctor. diabetes cannot be cured but it can be kept under treatment in order to not cause eye damage,blood vesel problems and more like that.diabetes can be caused by stress or high intake of sugar and of course, by obesity. but he should see a doc 4 treatment!asap
143245
My step brother is diabetic as was my step father - who incidently died at age 38 years old due to complications from diabetes and his kidney transplant.\n\nI'm not saying that to scare you -I'm saying it because when your sugar level swings up and down - 480, then 40, then 320, then 85..ALL the time - this does damage to the renal veins in the eys and kidneys.\n\nHe MUST not only get his sugar down (which can ONLY be brought down by the correct amount of insulin and NOT food or water - but by insulin prescribed in dosage amounts for him and his body weight.) but he has to CONTROL it.  It can NOT swing like that! Dangerous - can cause strokes, heart attacks, internal organ damages.\n\nThe question is - what did he eat that put him over the edge? Sweets? Alcohol? just even a big sandwich? does he have the flu? Alot of things can affect sugar.\n\nHe DOES need to call his doctor immediately and schedule an evaluation of diet and medication to see what the right combination is for him.\n\nMy step bro uses the insulin pump with great sucess -he's one that never took care of his sugar either -with it swinging up and down - now with the pump he is better managing his diabetes - althoug he still doesn't follow the correct diet that he should - and I'm not saying it is easy to do that. I have 10lbs to lose and I can't even do that right - its HARD!! But..its IMPORTANT and diabetics can live very healthy energetic lives and grow to old age if they work cooperatively with their doctor.\n\nYou also - MUST check on him -if his sugar is out of whack so that he's not passing out and no one finds him alone..My stepuncles wife (my stepaunt if you will) her brothers died within 2 months of each other. 34 and 37 years old - both had unregulated diabetes. Both were home ALONE and had bad reactions - and no one knew. it was horrifically sad.\n\nAgain I'm not saying this to upset you -but its a serious disease that needs to be monitored. Call your friend and have him get someone over there to sit with him.\n\nAnd lastly - please forgive me for saying this - but his diabetic problems can not be something you make yourself sick over -HE HAS TO DO IT FOR HIMSELF. And yes - as his friend you should encourage that he get the help he needs. We all suffered so much guilt when my stepfather died - but know what? I miss him, I love him, he was amazing - but he did it to himself...he started smoking after his kidney transplant again...he didn't exercise, he didn't watch his diet - and we lost him- its been 11 years and I still cry.\n\nForward this information to your friend and tell him he can do it!! I know he can and he'll feel so much better once he does!
651035
You should have a Glucagon Emergency Kit it for use in very low blood gluclose situations when she cannot drink or eat.  If she is below 40-30 depending on the person don't let her eat any hard candies often they have a hard time knowing what they are doing and can choke.  Another thing to know is if she eats a jellybean or two (something that is easy to carry) it will raise her when she is going low and she should also crush one and put it under her tounge as it disolves it enters her blood much faster than throught the stomach.  Also in an emergency you can put honey under her tongue if she is unable to swallow. \n\nSome of the early warning signs of low blood glucose are feeling weak, dizzy, shaky or sweaty also irritable (she may snap at you out of the blue) rapid heartbeat, pale, clammy skin and confusion.  If she is extremely low she may get confused and not know what is wrong or can't verbalize it.  You will have to step in, in that case and help her drink some OJ or other sugary drink.\n\nIf she eats her meals on time and is careful with her meds she may never experience any of these problems.  Only one time in my husbands 11 years with diabetes has he had a low so bad he had to go to the hospital and I will tell you those 15 mins waiting on the amubulance in the mall parking lot were the worse and longest 15 mins of my life.  I wish I knew then what I know now because I would have had an emergency kit on me, instead I was slowly dripping Dr.Pepper onto the inside of his cheek and rubbing it in - it probably saved him from a coma.
394402
Most important is to find out what diet her md prescribed.  Depending on how severe her diabetes is she will have to take shots 1 to 4 times a day.  Her diet is just as important as the shots.  It is also important to know what her sugar level is before eating which can be monitored by a glucose monitor.  Always good to have sugar tablets found in any drug store on hand.  If her sugar is a little low this will help raise it.  Since she was just diagnosed, it is best to stick to the md diet as they are probably still regulating her insulin.  Things to watch out for is if she starts slurring her words, is very sleepy, if these things are happening her sugar is getting low.  Test her, if she is too low, raise her sugar level by eating fruit, candy bar, sugar tablets, juice (natural sugar is the fastest and best way to raise her level quickly).  If her levels are too high, activity, or a shot when she gets to know her body are best, but not food.  I have even put sugar into juice to raise the levels quickly.  In the beginning it is most difficult as their body is still getting regulated and she is figuring out if old enough or mom if she's young, what she can eat and how much insulin.  There is a rough rode ahead but its a workable disease and she can still live a long and happy life.  Still I am sorry your niece was diagnosed with this as it is unfortunate to have anyone you love have to go through anything like this.  Good luck to you and her!!
54818
Hello,\n\nI've been diabetic for 33 years and this is not a problem that only you suffer from. Most all diabetics crave sweets, it's all in the way you handle it. I'm don't know if you take shots or pills. I take shots and when and when a special moment occurs where I eat a super sweet something I take extra insulin. TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR FIRST!!! Here's an example: I like ice cream cakes and if you look on the label you will see carbohydrates and a number like maybe 40 grams. My doctor explained to me that for every extra 10 grams of carbs I should take 1 unit of insulin. This technique is called a sliding scale and only your doctor should provide you with your own personal sliding scale. Also try the sugar free foods. Russel Stover's has a real good chocolate sugar free assortment. Jello Gelatin is good and alot of bakeries also make sugar free desserts, cakes, pies, etc. \n\nAs for you HA1C...don't forget that anything can cause your blood sugar to rise, such as cold medicine, stress, excitement, infections, depression, and many other things as well. Just one day of serious munching can affect your HA1C. This test reflects back to 6 weeks ago. There is available in pharmaceys a at home HA1C test, they're kind of expensive. Something else you might try and it can help you get a better idea of your overall control is to add all your before breakfast blood sugar test for 7 days and then devide that number by 7. This will give you a overall average for a week. Do the same for your lunch testing, evening testing, etc. \n\nI know that dealing with this disease can be frustrating and it seems so unfair that we have it. Don't give up, if I can make it 33 year with this disease so can you! It's OK to cry and get mad and afterwards hold your head up high and be proud of who you are - diabetis does not have to have control of you.\n\nGood Luck