Diabetes.

[Black_Bird]

So I find out a few days ago that dear old dad has diabetes. He explained to me what it is and how it works... and knowing that he has high blood pressure on top of his condition doesn't help any.

So... I try to convince him come walk with me - do something other then sit infront of the computer screen down loading porn (now you all know where I get *that* from), but he's a hard head... says he'll get plenty of exercize at work. He's a repo man, folks! He drives around all night on his ass looking for cars.

Anyway - to make a long story short, diabetes has been on my mind a great deal lately. What can I expect to happen? I've heard that it is reversable, but I know he isn't taking the steps to do anything about it. What are your experiences with this disease?

 

[BrownEyes26]

Hey Black Bird
Sorry to hear about your dad. Both of my grandparents have diabetes and so does my uncle. Well, if your dad does start to exercise (even walking) and takes his pills, lays off the high carbos and sugar, he should be ok. But diabetes does take a toll on the body. My grandfather, who also has high blood pressure, was not one to cut out eating the foods that he liked. He now has the wet type of macular degeneration, and he will eventually go blind. He has had to have surgery on his legs to replace veins damaged by glucose in his blood. He has ended up in the hospital because his glucose is so low. So please, stress to your dad that diabetes is not to be taken lightly.
My grandmother's kidneys gave out and so did the rest of her body b/c of diabetes and lupus.
So try and tell your dad to test his blood glucose levels, adjust his insulin or medication accordingly. The most important thing is for him to grasp the seriousness of his illness.
Hope all of this helps, sorry to ramble.

 

[MissTaken]

Diabetes is a rite of passage for the women in my family, or so it seems.

Diabetes can be managed and lead to very little intrusions on daily life. Excercise is important. Diet is important. However, in my own experience, those things will not necessarily reverse the disease. Please, don't be disheartened if he requires medication.

There are centers for diabetic treatment which can help to educate him in terms of the disease and counsel him. I would recommend he look into that

Untreated, there are serious risks including kidney failure and ultimately death. I don't say this to frighten you, but my ex father in law is in this situation . However, he not only didn't take care of himself, he gorged on raw sugars and still does.

Good Luck and be well. Remember, whatever happens will be his decision and you cannot hold yourself responsible.

 

[mig]

Diabetes.

At the outset let me say that it cannot reversed or cured but it can be treated.
For info go here.

http://www.diabetes.org

or
http://www.diabetes.org.uk


Check these out.You can email me if you need.

 

[Todd-'o'-Vision]

http://www.diabetes-normalsugars.com/

I have sen quite a few diabetics have great results followig this diabetic diabetes specialits advice

 

[Black_Bird]

Thank you BrownEyes, Misstaken and Mig. He isn't taking it seriously enough, that's for sure. I think he's treating it as if it's just another one of his hobbies...

As for the whole reversable thing, Mig, he got it off a website. I'm not so sure how reliable that website is, but they *say* they're doctors. I think he's using it as an excuse not to take it seriously enough. I don't know what I'm going to do with the man; I love him to death, but he just doesn't want to listen.

 

[LukkyKnight]

Rarely reversible, though it happens, Diabetes is emminently manageable if the person chooses to approach it deliberately rather than engage in some form of denial. If you're having trouble seeing, you get glasses, if you're prone to heart problems you take appropriate meds, if you're diabetic (or, more commonly, BECOME diabetic) you need to work with a doc or RN who is A Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) to learn which of the three main courses of action is likely to provide you the best quality of living from that point on. It beats losing limbs, organs, and/or your eyesight.

See the website for the American Diabetes Association at [url]www.diabetes.org[/URL] and plan now on joining the annual ADA Walk for the Cure which takes place in most metropolitan areas (usually in the fall, I believe.) Beat his ass until he gets educated on the risks and solutions, bird. Exercise is a grand beginning...

 

[patient1]

People that don't change their lifestyles see a lot of hospitals until their eyes degenerate. The failing circulation leads to amputation of extremities. Their viens become useless for surgical purposes like heart bypasses. Or to try to restore circulation to an extremity with a replacement from another part of the body.

 

[*bratcat*]

 

[LukkyKnight]

FYI, the one clinically proven reversal I know of is thought to be the founded upon a very rigorous exercise regimen. It was coupled to very careful monitoring of blood sugar levels, and ultimately the treatments tapered off to none. This is VERY rare, but I have seen the man in the flesh (talking at an ADA sponsored event.)

Thank you BrownEyes, Misstaken and Mig. He isn't taking it seriously enough, that's for sure. I think he's treating it as if it's just another one of his hobbies...

As for the whole reversable thing, Mig, he got it off a website. I'm not so sure how reliable that website is, but they *say* they're doctors. I think he's using it as an excuse not to take it seriously enough. I don't know what I'm going to do with the man; I love him to death, but he just doesn't want to listen.

 

[Guest]

Blackbird,

I have diabetes. If you ever want to chat about it or have questions, contact me.
Your father may be in denial right now. He may be in shock. Give him a little time and slowly, help him incorporate changes. Noone can expect a lifestyle change over night. I would suggest a nutritionist. It's amazing how food affects us.

Be well!

 

[Black_Bird]

Blackbird,

I have diabetes. If you ever want to chat about it or have questions, contact me.
Your father may be in denial right now. He may be in shock. Give him a little time and slowly, help him incorporate changes. Noone can expect a lifestyle change over night. I would suggest a nutritionist. It's amazing how food affects us.

Be well!

I would like that. Yeah - maybe he's still in shock... it's early yet. *shrugs*

And just so you all know - I *am* reading this thread and taking in what you all have to say, I just really don't have much to add. Your advice and information *is* appreciated.

 

[Todd-'o'-Vision]

http://www.diabetes-normalsugars.com/

I have sen quite a few diabetics have great results followig this diabetic diabetes specialits advice

Oh yeah Dr.Derstien is a life time Type 1 Diabetic for 55 years I think he should have half a clue what he is talking about

 

[MacCortz]

I am diabetic too. Was diagnosed last April. Was put on pills to control it. Have been walking and exercising almost daily since then. Lost 35 lbs and gained lots of energy. Am now able to controll it with diet and exercise only. Get him out and walking and on a low fat diet and watch the carbs too.

I am probably as old as your father or older... I got out and walking and so can he, but he may need some help.

My knowledge of being diabetic is not good but exerciise and common sense have worked for me.

 

[ExLimey]

My Father was diagnosed with Adult Onset over a year ago. His was borderline and he's changed his lifestyle completely, exercises and reduces carbs/sugar.

I talked to him at length about it since he lost a considerable amount of weight and even started to follow his diet myself. I managed to drop 25 lbs without exercising a second. It's tough mentally to deprive myself of some of my favorite foods (pasta, rice, bread etc). It's also surprising to realize that most of the "lo-fat" items on the market are loaded with sugar and carbs and are not all that good for you. Take out the fat, add sugar instead (somehow that's perceived as healthier!)

However, it does come down to your Father's will power. Like most things, he will change if he really wants to. That being said, the ramifications of not changing are awful scary.

I don't have high blood sugar and by following the diet I do go through periods of feeling like shit because mine dips too low, but you learn how to compensate. I have to be real strict about eating every four or five hours. I can't get through the day without lunch or around 2 pm I will crash.

 

[Silverlily]

You're not alone, my dear old dad has diabetes as well, Type II. His is due more to weight and heavy (emphasis on heavy) drinking earlier in his life. He has been able to control his through diet, exercise, and medication.

 

[Mae13]

Well sweets...(pun definitely intended ) one of my ten million jobs also happens to be a Diabetic Nurse Educator....give me a shout if/when you wanna talk.

*tweak*
mae

 

[LukkyKnight]

Well sweets...(pun definitely intended ) one of my ten million jobs also happens to be a Diabetic Nurse Educator....give me a shout if/when you wanna talk.

*tweak*
mae

http://www.egri.co.uk/smileys/shocking.gif I will quietly defer future responses on the topic to mae.

 

[HotXBunz]

Black_Bird, I hate to be the one to share this but your chances of getting the disease just skyrocketed. Read all you can and watch your diet. As for your dad, he has to walk his own road. It is hard to let the ones we love make their own decisions but if you push too hard you may push them away from you or towards what you are concerned about. If he is not diciplined it may take a couple of bad experiences to kick him in the butt before he gets on track.

I wish I had something better to say to you and I wish I would take my own advise. My mothers family is eaten up with diabetes and I feel like a time bomb. I fight the weight seesaw all of the time.

Hang in there and I am sorry. I know you are worried.

 

[Black_Bird]

Black_Bird, I hate to be the one to share this but your chances of getting the disease just skyrocketed.

He's my step dad, hon. No blood relation.