Need help with my diabetic/alcoholic dad. Takes meds,doesn't eat. He fixes blood sugar problems by reaching...

Question

for cookies, candy bars, non-diet sodas, orange juice...anything with sugar. I know that's ok for a temporary fix, but it's usually his only nutrition for the day. Since my birthday, Oct 18, Mom has seen dad eat ONLY 1 poptart and several mello yello's. NEVER eats regularly, NEVER exercises, sleeps (or is in bed) most of the day, drinks HEAVILY every day (normally 1.75 liter of vodka/whiskey every 2-4 days!!). Mom noticed recently how purple his left leg was, also blotchy purple on both arms. His blood sugar episodes leave him immobilized, and eventually soiling and/or wetting himself. There are poop and pee stains throughout the house, especially in and around his recliner, in and around his side of the bed, and in his bathroom. He's temporarily lost the use of his legs--for minutes or hours at a time--and once, at least, couldn't see. I need GOOD sources of info for him. He needs it all written down for him what he can and can't do. He's VERY STUBBORN, he thinks no one notices.

My dad is only 63. He's the ONLY grandpa my three small children have. (My husband's dad died before any of our children were born.) Like I said, my dad is a very stubborn man and will deny, deny, deny. (He lies to his dr., makes dr. think all is well.) I can't stand what he's doing to himself and to my mom. He always blames his shakiness, etc. on that darn cold, or whatever illness he's trying to "shake off." PLEASE, if you've ever been in my shoes, or my dad's, I could use some help.

Answer 1

This is definitely not good, for any of you.
Try Alanon for some support for yourself.
They may have intervention advisors.

I assume that he is on insulin of some kind.
In Ontario Canada, we have diabetic clinics;
see what your hospitals have for support.
Talk to Social or Health Services.

You may have to get him committed to a home.
That could be a huge legal & medical cost.
But he isn't going to last long at this rate.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

15 servings a day is usually calculated at 15 grams per serving. To give you some idea, when I was first diagnosed, I was eating less than 30 grams per day. Your father is eating 15 x 15 (225 grams). That's kind of insane considering what his blood sugar was in the hospital. 500 mg/dL is a serious medical emergency. Did the hospital staff seriously only prescribe him 500 mgs of Metformin per day? Per day? He's eating a monstrous amount of carbohydrates and he's taking basically the lowest dosage of Metformin offered. Metformin really only works with a low-carbohydrate (or at least a restricted-carbohydrate) diet, unlike insulin or other diabetic drugs that stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin. Not only does he need insulin or one of these drugs to lower his levels to a safe range, but he needs to cut back his carbohydrates significantly, at least for right now. Once he gets his blood sugar under control (low 100s to mid-100s), then he can talk to the doctor about reducing his dosages and increasing his carbohydrates. He should also use his meter as his guide. If he eats potatoes and his BG skyrockets, then he knows that next time he should either not eat them or try a half serving and test again. He's made some improvement in this short time even though his Metformin probably isn't doing much right now, so imagine if he cut back his carbs and increased his dosage!

Answer 5

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 6

With the newer types of insulin these days, diabetic diets aren't necessarily as restrictive as they used to be. Read here https://tr.im/Oczqa
As with any medicine or diet change, you should discuss it with your doctor. Fruits, both fresh and dried, have a natural sugar in them that will raise blood sugar levels, so be careful about eating too much. Not sure about the nuts. Moderation is always the key. I've been diabetic for 18 years and just recently changed insulin types. I love it because it gives me more freedom in when and what I eat.

Answer 7

Eating sweets may be necessary if he is having lows, but since they are being brought on by his alcoholism, that isn't going to go away unless he gives up the bottle.

I'm sorry to say that your father is on a self destruct course.

Unless he wakes up and starts to care about his health, he probably won't be around much longer. It sounds like he probably already has severe damage from high blood sugar and alcoholism.

Maybe he already thinks its hopeless. He may be in a major depression about it and has already given up. Try to get him some counseling if you can.

If he refuses counseling and help then its probably best to prepare yourself and your family for the inevitable.

Someone recommended Al anon for you, I think its a good idea. You can't fix his problems and he obviously doesn't want to face them. You need help in dealing with this.

Its terrible that your family and your dad is going through this, and I know how painful and frustrating it is.

Ask your dad if he cares about his family, his kids and grand-kids. Ask him to stop drinking for all of you. See if that makes any difference. If not, I don't think there is much you can do. Everyone is ultimately responsible for their own health decisions. He has to WANT to recover. You can't make him want it.

Answer 8

I hate to say it but he is on a collision self destruction course. He knows that sugar is not his friend and provides little to no nutrition for his condition. The alcohol alone is bad enough but eating the junk food seems like he is trying to wipe himself out.
The blotchy spots are poor circulation or lack of circulation.
It seems he is not seeing a doctor or if he is not doing as he should be. He is living as if he has already been given a death sentence. He is not all that old to be destroying himself. I am only a few years younger and a diabetic but doing as my doctor requires me to do. Your dad is out of control and needs to be seen by a physician ASAP

Answer 9

you are loosing the battle if your dad refuses to seek help and denies his illnesses. until you find him unconcious and get an ambulance to pick him up there isn't much you can do.just keep an eye on him and when the time comes don't blame your self if he nevers gets well or passes because he is doing this to himself. my dad was very stubbon man and refused to go to the dr after terrible chest pains and vomitting,the next day my brother finaly took him in and he was dead 2 days later. he had a massive heart attack and always self diagnosed himself and wouldn't go either.he was not a drinking man but a heavy smoker. he was also 63. do your best but he is what he is so there is no one who can help him but himself. best of luck

Answer 10

your dad needs big help i wish i could tell you you can change him but the true is he has to be willing .try getting family Friend's an a drug program in fa veld an his doctor if he has one. if not get him one.the only other thing you can do is call the police and ask them to take him to mental heath an get ever one in the gov.offices invalid. make the put him in a program for his drinking get his head cleared out then tell him you notices. an he needs to make a change or more then likely hes going to loss a leg or even worries hes going to die. sorry to but it that way but i no how drinking changes your blood sugar .an then not eat to. you all need to set him down and tell him there is life with diabetics. aim so sorry your going thought this.good luck i will pray for your family an most of all your dad