HELP! My dad's diabetic...?

Question

Diabetes runs in our family and my dad just recently found out that he got it as well. Can anyone advise me on how to take care of a diabetic person? The do's and don'ts? What to eat and not to eat? I bought him one of those home blood sugar monitor device but other than that, what other stuff that are available here in US that can be beneficial for him (he resides out of US so I want to send my dad anything that can help him). Thanks so much in advance!!!

Thanks everyone for the advises/messages! I'm not really too scared that my dad has diabetes as like what I've said, it runs in our family but it's only now that it really did hit me. As of now, he's only under medication and not yet an insulin dependent. I just want to be educated so i can help him stay to live his life as normal as it can be.

THANKS SO MUCH!!!

Answer 1

the american diabetes association's website can give you a great deal of useful information.

http://www.diabetes.org/home.jsp

Answer 2

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Answer 3

The American Diabetes Diet is horrible for type ii diabetics. Have him follow a meal plan that includes lots of green leafy vegetables, round veggies such as cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli and various other veggies. He needs to stay away from the nightshade family, potatoes, tomatoes and eggplant, etc. Brown rice is exceptionally well tolerated by diabetics, (DO NOT USE WHITE RICE), and various other whole grains like quinoa, millet, sweet brown rice, etc. He can have some fruit in season, but only on occasion as a dessert treat. Sea salt should replace all salt. He can use either Shoyu or Tamari, all natural soy sauces for flavoring soups and veggies instead of salt. No refined sugars, flours, bread, meat or dairy. He can enjoy fish twice a week, and beans soaked overnight and then cooked with Kombu seaweed are an excellent source of protein as well. Take walks everyday for about 20 - 30 minutes.

This is a very condensed version of the Macrobiotic Diet which I follow and have been able to maintain my blood sugars at a level that allows me to take very little insulin to keep my blood sugars in line. Tell him to chew each mouthful of food, (very important!) at least 50 times, the more the better. Liquefying the contents will help him immensely in regaining his health and keeping him off of insulin.

His blood sugars should range from: Fasting, 85 - 90 (first thing in the morning), to 135 - 150 two hours after eating. If he keeps good control on his blood sugars, he'll find himself feeling well and not developing the complications of diabetes. I'll include several books that you can get and read that will help you with the diet, but all in all, the change will be great for him.

I wish you and your dad luck. My father is passed now, but I hope for your dad, many years of health and happiness yet to come. Bless you for asking and helping.

Answer 4

I'm a 45 year old woman and was recently diagnosed as being a borderline diabetic. My doctor prescribed some medication, but before filling it I decided to do some research on the internet which led me to the methods. After reading this ebook and applying the methods, my scepticism turned to 100% belief. I noticed that my energy levels increased significantly and I felt more rested in the morning, my symptoms started going away.

I am very happy to tell you that I have been feeling better than I have felt in years and my doctor informed me that he will be taking me off my prescriptions if I keep this up.

I recommend you use the Type 2 Diabetes Destroyer to naturally reverse your diabetes.

Answer 5

Go to local health dept or doc's and pick up free pamphlets that will answer the basic questions you have. Make sure you send him extra test strips. Obviously, he should stay away from sugar (but can use Splenda). It would be better for him to "graze" every two hours than eat 3 big meals a day. Breakfast might be oatmeal and juice; 10 am snack-some raw veggies; lunch-should be his biggest meal of the day--so turn that into what he would normally eat for dinner; 3 pm snack-energy bar and drink; dinner--salad and crackers/bread; 8 or 9 pm snack: no sugar dessert. IMPORTANT: Make sure whoever hangs around your dad knows what to do should his insulin bottom out: he will start acting goofy (like drunk), skin will be clammy, may be resisitive...at this point get either some orange juice or peanut butter into him and watch for reduction in symptoms. If he's out, he's most likely in a diabetic coma...hospital immediately.Finally, a nice gift for him would be a medical bracelet or necklace that says "diabetes" on it--you can order these through drugstore--I think they're about $30. If he's out of it, nobody's going to look through his wallet or glove box of car. Medical alerts save ER docs a lot of time, and will save your dad money, and may save his life.

Answer 6

He is obviously type 2 if he just got diabetes. I am Type 1 and had it for 28 years. It is actually harder to control type 2 because their body still can make insulin. Watching the carbs is the main thing. He can still have them but the doctor will help him to know the amounts and frequency of carbs he should have. Exercise (down) and stress (up) can effect blood sugar levels too. For me I count my carbs and take a certain amount of insulin for each gram of carb. I also adjust for the current blood sugar level and life events. Send me an email if you have any specific Q's or clarifications and I'll try to answer.

Answer 7

Shocking Truth About Diabetes Revealed : http://DiabetesKeyBook.com/Assist

Answer 8

I am assuming it is Type 2 Diabetes. His diet is the most important - exercise next. He needs to see a Doc and get an Rx for meds or Insulin if it is too high. Usually Type 2 can be controlled pretty easily with meds and exercise.

Answer 9

You're dads doctoe will have told him all the dos and donts if hes diabetic. Is he insulin controlled or diet controlled ? This will make a difference to what he can do. Eitherway he will need to avoid too much sugar in his diet. You could send him sugar free sweets, chocolate, biscuits and cake if he has a sweet tooth.

Answer 10

The best thing you can do is to educate yourself, go to the library, get reading material from your dad's dr.
There are a lot of things you can do.
I'm assuming he was diagnosed with adult onset (type 2) diabetes.
The great thing about having type 2 is that you can almost cure it with diet & exercise.
Unfortunately, for me and many others, type 1 (or juvenille) diabetics are sentenced to be on insulin for the rest of our lives.

Good luck with your pa- tell him to not get discouraged - its not easy - but everyone has something they have to deal with.

He's lucky he has a kid like you who is so concerned. This makes a HUGE difference in a diabetic's life.
Also - don't ever listen to people that say "i knew someone who had diabetes ... they died blah blah blah" or "they went blind" or "they took off their foot..." you're going to hear HORROR stories. Don't listen to them.
Stay positive but dont nag him. Be supportive!
best of luck to you! if you need to chat - email me. :)

ps to summer - your husband absolutely CAN have sugar - he just needs to balance it with fast acting insulin.

Answer 11

www.diabetes.org

My Dad is a severe diabetic and has actually lost his leg due to not taking proper care of himself with diabetes. Its a good thing your Dad has you to help watch out for him!! My Dad lived in another state and by the time he came back home too much damage was done, now I have to take care of him as he is. My heart goes out to you and your dad!!