diabetes??

Question

my dad was just diagnosed with diabetes, what is it and what happens exactly, and how can i help him. i would like as much infromation as possible so i can understand how to deal with it.

Answer 1

He's probably a type 2 where the body's cells don't let blood sugar in very well. It's called insulin resistance. Insulin normally "unlocks" the cell walls to allow the energy providing glucose (sugar) to enter. For some reason, in type 2 diabetics, they can usually produce plenty of insulin, it just doesn't work very well. Excess sugar builds up in the blood and, if left there, causes all kinds of nasty things to happen over time. If left unchecked, over time, the pancreas can wear out and insulin output can decrease and the patient often has to start taking insulin injections. This is why it's vitally important to get him on a comprehensive program of weight management, blood sugar management, daily exercise routine, and healthy diet. All work together to insure that he will not suffer the consequences of a poorly managed program. I'm not just throwing this out there... my mother had diabetes and was not nearly as informed as I've gotten over the past year. The information just wasn't out there. She paid the ultimate price. I'm not going to go that way. I've managed my weight, blood sugar, diet, and exercise regularly. The dividends are, minimum medication, feel great, seldom have to see the doctor, and plenty of other health benefits.

There are all kinds of things you can do to help. First, and foremost, is to learn all you can about it. Get Dr. Patrick Quillin's book: "The Diabetes Improvement Program"... it will teach you a whole bunch of useful stuff about diabetes (types 1 and 2). Also, I've provided many useful links on my diabetes info webpage:
http://www.geocities.com/seabulls69/Type_II_Diabetes.html

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

2

Answer 4

The people here have told you the things to do. I am also a Type 1 diabetic and really don't know that much about Type 2 diabetes which it sounds like he has he's probably making some insulin but his body's not using it or it isn't enough or he's insulin resistant you know these web sights might help you understand the problem a lot better the only thing is you have to realize everybodys different and he may be a little different than what they say on them it's his decision to listen to you and you sound like your really interested in his health you will be there for him and that helps a lot good luck and be there and also go with him and when he talks to a nutritionist that will help you understand what he can and cannot eat and how much of it he can always remember he can eat almost anything only he has to do it in moderation and if he can get plenty of exercise.

Answer 5

Truworth Wellness offers a best Diabetes Management Program which takes care of all aspects of your Diabetes including healthy food intake, calorie & carb management, insulin and medication management, Self-monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG), other important vitals like Blood Pressure, Weight & HbA1c and provides comprehensive reporting and analytics to allow for constant and dynamic monitoring of your diabetes.

Answer 6

Blood Sugar Management
http://www.dlife.com/dLife/do/ShowContent/blood_sugar_management/

Diet Guidelines
http://www.diabetes911.net/readit/chapter10.shtml

Answer 7

Tell your father to ask his doctor to recommend him to a diabetic counseling center. There, they will teach him all about nutrition and what to and what not to eat, including getting him a diet suitable for his age and weight, and will teach him all types of factors about the disease first hand. They will instruct him on how to check his sugar levels, and what to do in different scenarios. The ones offered at our hospitals are two sessions per week for two weeks. Two are for nutrition and two are for the medical part. They include everything one needs to know about the disease and generally can bring a friend, spouse, or family member with. Good luck to your dad. He will be fine if he follows the guidelines for a diabetic, and, can actually be sympton free often by knowing what to eat, when and how much. Tell you dad.

Answer 8

My mom has had diabetes practically her WHOLE life! Well it depends if it is Type I or Type II. Type II would be because your dad was obese and I don't know a lot about that. I think like in Type II your pancrease produces some insulin but your body cannot use it but in Type I your pancrease dosen't produce any. (I think) My mom has to give herself shots of insulin either in her arm or thigh. Its scary when her surgar goes high or low cause she get dizzy. Talk with your dad becasue when my moms sugar is low we mix a lot of sugar into orange juice for her to drink but when its high I don't know what we do. So ask your dad what he wants you to do when his sugar is high or low. My mom is healthier than a person who doesnt have diabetes. I hope this helps! If not, call a doctor and ask him questions!

Answer 9

My daughter was also just diagnosed, after going into a diabetic shock. Best thing is to be calm, ask questions, and give dad space to absorb this at his own rate. Its hard, and shocking isnt? Let's go become experts together...nice to know I'm not only inductee this week.

Answer 10

There are good web sites with lots of info. I don't know where you live but here are two sites to look at. If you are American, you should be able to get info at the American Diabetes Assoc.

http://www.diabetes.ca/ Canadian Diabetic Assoc.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/diabetes.html - Medline Plus (an excellent info site for any disease)