Calling all DIABETICS or Parents with Diabetic children

N9eav

I want to start a bit of a help forum to share experiences, food stuffs and methods of care. There are financial benfits to claim and all sorts of stuff that could help each other.
I have a 16 yr old with poor diabetic control and so would welcome anyone who is a similar age or has a similar experience.
Just post a few details or a question or make a start. It could be very useful.

Ted_Hutchinson

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus World's Healthiest foods information
Diabetes Vitamin D information relating to Diabetes.

fruityslh

I have a 37 year husband with Type I and poor control, it doesn't get any easier, he doesn't like being singled out as different, I think it will be failing health that'll make him follow things correctly, but at the moment I try to keep things healthy in the home.

I've had to do it the hard way, my hubby is very dismissive and secretive about what the dieticians etc say, so have found information on the internet brilliant, also the GI diet that's all the rage at the moment has similar principles to the Diabetic Plan, and I've recently got fantastic info off the Sainsburys website on GI Diet, so he doesn't realise what I'm doing, and I've learnt not to nag at him, just makes him more defiant, I also send him to work with a packed lunch now (also money saving) so at least I know he's eating better, but I can't account for what extras he's buying during the day.

I've just learnt to accept that it is his body, his illness, ultimately he has to deal with that (I know I will too) but until he has his lightbulb moment I just do the best I can.

Miss_Cinnabon

Hi my son has type 1 and is 7, he has had it since he was 2.
He is getting quite angry with himself lately which is due to coping with his diabetes and school.

He does not know anyone else with diabetes in the area and currently we have no diabetes nurse.

There is a forum on the internet called children with diabetes which is mail based and is an excellent support group for parents, are you on this?

Kyle

N9eav

kyle wrote:

Hi my son has type 1 and is 7, he has had it since he was 2.
He is getting quite angry with himself lately which is due to coping with his diabetes and school.

He does not know anyone else with diabetes in the area and currently we have no diabetes nurse.

There is a forum on the internet called children with diabetes which is mail based and is an excellent support group for parents, are you on this?

Kyle

Nope. I hav'nt subscribed to too many sites, I prefer to keep just this one. I think there must be lots of MSE members who have valuable info to share. I know there are tons of websites too.
We have a great nurse, who nags my daughter to death, so this helps.

sphrp2

Don't buy "diabetic foods", eg sweets, cakes etc. They're the biggest con ever. Either buy "normal" foods and count the sugar in, or look for standard low-sugar foods. If it says "diet" don't assume its low sugar, often they're low in fat but loaded with sugars to improve the taste.

headchef

My OH is Type 1 and so is an aunt, and since begining of this year, my nephew (aged 12).
I've learnt a lot in how NOT to cope with hypos. I'd known my OH as a friend for years before we got together and I do remember how his previous 2 girlfriends reacted when they thought his blood sugar was getting low. They would TELL to him he needed sugar. He would start to withdraw and not listen, they would get more insistent and agitated, he would get resentful and stuborn etc. My lovely (tongue in cheek) cousin just stands and screams at her mum to get sugar (I think she secretly wants to draw attention to herself).
I've learnt NOT to say 'you need sugar' but to say 'you're looking a bit pale'! It works wonders with OH has he still feels he has control - I'm giving him a pointer and not taking control.
My OH explained to me that when blood sugar gets low, the body uses what it has to keep the brain going on a very basic level and that means he can only think of 'flight or fight' responses to situations. He will perceive a raised or even slightly agitated voice as a threat and will react in a negative way. I've learnt to keep calm and talk gently - something I am trying to impress on my cousin! :rolleyes:

headchef

N9eve, is your daughter's control poor because she isn't coming to terms with it? Or is she finding it difficult to get the insulin amounts right or soemthing. I do remember a previous post when you said she was in hospital for her birthday. My heart goes out to you. My OH is a Type 1 and I don't know much about his childhood experiences or emotions. I should be getting his 80 yr old mum on this forum instead!
I do remember him saying he hated being 'different' (like another poster has said) and he does remember not wanting people to think he wasn't 'normal'. I'll have a chat to him to see if he can put himself back in the mindset of a 16 yr old!

Weggy

I was diagnosed type 2 about 6 months ago. Had it coming really.... was overweight for many years, and ate crap.

But it's all under control now through use of the GI diet, medication and exercise. Hearing the doctor tell me I was diabetic was a huge shock. Hearing of the possible side effects later in life was an even bigger shock. Sorry to be blunt but how anyone can ignore those facts is beyond me.

The key to the control is will power, and wanting to improve things. Without that, it's just not going to happen. I've now lost nearly a stone since diagnosis, my HB1AC level is spot on, and my cholesterol are now right on target. And I feel so much better in myself for it.

If I can help in any way, feel free to put your OH's or children in touch with me. Would be happy to help.

headchef

Hi Weggy
I could be wrong, but I think the poor control stems from fear of severe hypos. I can understand how the sufferer might have the feeling that there is a stigma attached if you are seen by the general public to fall over in the street etc. My OH will often say 'i'm useless, I can't even look after myself' on the occasions he has had to have intervention. He doesn't remember a thing whilst he's had exp low blood sugar so I can only equate it (in my limited knowledge) to people who have epaleptic (sp?) fits and perhaps fear being out of control at 'inappropriate' moment. It must have all sorts of emotional and psychological effects.

headchef

Weggy
Well done on the cholesterol BTW. As a young diabetic my OH was told to eat lots of cheese for snacks as it was non-carb and filling! He is finding it very hard to break the habit and hasn't got there on this cholesterol yet. He asked me 'so what can I eat that is low in carbs and fat?' 'Er, celery!' was my reply (Had the man never been on a diet before!!)