Living With a Diabetic

RNMeg · Jun 8, 2008

I live with my fiance, a type I diabetic x8 years. I think it's really important for family members to know and be able to recognize the signs & symptoms of hypoglycemia, and to know what to do if it happens. In that same vein, it's important to have fruit juice or hard candy or something sugary on hand just in case. Also, lately he's been asking me to nag him about checking his blood sugar, since he knows he should be doing it more often than he does. Hope this helps..i love helping educate about diabetes since it's close to my :heartbeat:redpinkhe:redbeathe

Nur_1996 · Jun 8, 2008

I was diagnosed with Type 2 over 3 years. My family is very helpful. However at times some people can be "The sugar police" I am aware of my diabetes, some times you just want something sweet!

linzz · Jun 8, 2008

My spouse is a type 2 diabetic and is somewhat in denial about the sacrifices that must be made to manage this disease. He will take his meds but does not work very hard at changing his diet and this stresses me out because we all know that this is a progressive disease. I am very thankful that our family Dr. monitors him very well. He sees her every 2.5 months for labs and a physical and she talks to him every time about managing this disease. I have learned that it is very tough to get some people to see the big picture of this disease and I have stopped nagging for the most part but a huge part of me feels VERY negligent about that. :banghead:

allnurses Guide · Jun 8, 2008

I am also married to a Type 2 Diabetic . . actually Metabolic Syndrome. (High BS, BP, Cholesterol).

He was diagnosed about 3 years ago and was shocked initially and took care of himself. Lost 25 pounds. Checked his BS religiously. Portion control helped him more than anything.

However, now for the last year he has stopped checking his blood sugar at all. He relies on popping a pill to take care of bad eating habits. He has not seen his doctor in a year. He has put on a little weight. Fortunately not a lot of weight.

It is very hard to be a nurse and live with someone who thinks this is no big deal. I have pretty much given up "nagging" him about anything.

steph

TazziRN, RN · Jun 8, 2008

My dad is a steroid-induced diabetic. My mom, until recently, did not understand the dietary restrictions.......she didn't understand why he couldn't have "one more piece of chicken", or why he can't just cut down on the amount of ice cream. After his last hospitalization (not DM related) I got the doc to order home health and got my friend/coworker to go in and do some serious diabetic teaching. They both got it this time and he's been doing really well.

Cienna2000 · Jun 8, 2008

I had gestational diabetes with my daughter. At that point my mother had been type II for a couple of years and was a wonderful support person. In the first few days between diagnosis and seeing the diabetes RN and the RD Mom advised less carbs, a bit more protein, walk but don't be too good at once.

My husband, on the other hand, is a good example of what not to do! He completely freaked out. Hubby was the total sugar police. After I saw the RD and had guidelines on how to eat he would completely meltdown if I was wanting to eat a snack with 17 g of carbs instead of the 15 g of carbs that was recommended.

So I guess my advise would be "Be supportive, but do not freak out over everything. Stressing out your loved one does not help, it actually makes it worse."

Jilaweez, BSN, MSN, RN · Jun 8, 2008

I have a great power point with wonderful pictures that I recently used for a similar presentation. My husband and son are both type one diabetics. If you'd me to email you a copy PM me, maybe you could use some of the resources or information.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 8, 2008

My father was, until recently, a poorly-controlled type I diabetic with a HgA1C level of 12. Although he was slender, he ate whatever he wanted, abused alcohol, smoked 1 pack of cigarettes daily, and did not avail himself of professional healthcare.

I told him that his life would turn into an uphill battle if one of his limbs had to be amputated. I told him that he did not have the time or expense for hemodialysis 3x per week. I told him that he might not ever walk again if he was afflicted with a massive stroke. I told him that he might become a debilitated middle-aged nursing home resident who is urinating and defecating in diapers if he doesn't make lifestyle changes soon.

After a few diet changes and insulin adjustments, his HgA1C level has dropped to 7. He has stopped drinking, but still struggles with nicotine dependence. My hope is that he'll avoid the life-changing complications that result from poor diabetic management.

SunnyAndrsn · Jun 8, 2008

My DH was dx Type I in his early 20's, we were both in shock for a while. Over the years (this is also before I was in healthcare) the theme that has repeated has been "Be my wife, not my nurse or mother". When he makes poor diabetic choices, he needs me to understand that these choices are not everyday occurances, but once in a while. Example--small piece of cake at a family gathering. It's hard for me to not think about his blood sugar numbers, or diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy, etc...but I have to reassure myself that DH is a grown up, adult man and has been living with this disease for many, many years.

Other things he's told me over the years include:

-He hates it when I say I understand what he's going through if he has a low and bounces back up too high. As the wife of a diabetic, I can be sympathetic but I can't truly know what it's like. I've learned to be quietly supportive and rub his head or something similar during these situations.

-Make good eating choices myself, without making a big deal of what a great supportive wife I am. Just quietly make good choices.

Opps, one more thing. DH uses an insulin pump, with the Real Time glucose monitor. This has changed/drastically improved the quality of his life. However, he's a bit touchy about being connected to stuff all the time.

allnurses Guide · Jun 8, 2008

If my husband's poor food choices were only occasional, I might not worry so much.

And I am attempting to be his wife, not his mother or nurse.

It is hard though - for someone to expect ME to be 100% perfect when it comes to giving advice.

steph

Snawdad · Jun 8, 2008

Thanks so much! I downloaded a program from the internet and was able to open your power point. Very informative and moving. :up: