yet he refuses to change his lifestyle. The doctor called him back into the office because his triglycerides were sky high and his blood sugar was more than double what it should be. He is over-weight (type II diabetes) and he refuses to shoot himself with insulin so he is taking an alternative drug to see if it works. He knows he is not supposed to drink with it and yet he is out with his friends drinking beer at a bar. When I talk to him about it he just jokes and laughs it off, but I know how knows the seriousness of his actions (I think he is trying to pretend his problems aren't really there.) The worst part is that I am a pre-med student and I know all the complications and risks (death, stroke, heart attack, liver failure) that can occur. How can I get him to grow up and take care of himself?? My dad is still young and I want him to be a part of my life for a long time to come (I've told him this too!). ANy suggestions are greatly appreciated!
Health For More » Diseases and Conditions » Diabetes
How do you get someone to realize the seriousness of their diabetes?? My dad knows the complications
(3 posts)-
Posted 2 years ago #
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Interesting that you want him in your life for a long time and there for want him to be healthy.
He is an adult. These are his decisions.I have no idea if you are a child or an adult.
In either case, you can cook healthy food, low carbs and ask him to go for a walk with you.Even if he doesn't want to go, you set a good example.You can subscribe to various diabetes magazines and have them in the house.Don't point things out to him, just have it where he can access them.
https://secure.diabeticlivingonline.com/bhg/store/checkout/partner/?promoCode=I811UHP04&_requestid=600365&_requestid=600365/&ordersrc=google1branded_offer&cobrandId=ww5&s_kwcid=diabetic%20magazines|2709639148
http://www.mendosa.com/magazines.htm
http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/Posted 2 years ago # -
Cammie is right, setting an example is probably the best way. I've always had a family that eats very fatty foods regularly, and sometimes it can make me feel quite angry and isolated because they understand that I can't have these foods all the time (and neither should anyone really!).
I understand the difficulty your going through, but I can also understand your dad's predicament. I've had type one diabetes since I was 2. I'm 20 now, and even now I get very frustrated with the roller coaster of living with this chronic disease. All I can say is, try not to be too picky with what he eats. Allow him some space, he is after all an adult and can make his own decisions. He might be in denial now, but when your blood sugars are all over the place, sometimes it can get to the point where you are too tired to even hang out with friends. However, maybe this will make him realize the 'rewards' of looking after his Diabetes- living a healthy and relatively normal life. The great thing about type 2 (yes I did say great) is that your levels can improve with weight loss- obesity can cause insulin to not work as effectively. Maybe if you know his friends quite well, maybe you could quietly tell them about his diabetes without making a drama, he could possibly be feeling embarrassed or feeling that diabetes means he can't have a drink with his friends at all anymore, which is definitely not true. If they don't know, they should, or at least make sure he has some form of ID for his diabetes- a med alert wristband?Above all else make sure you look after yourself. He's lucky that he has a daughter that cares so much for his well-being and is supporting him. Keep your chin up, things will get better =]
Posted 2 years ago #
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