[deegeorge]

My husband was formally diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2010. He was given a prescription for metformin but chose not to take it due to the list of side effects. He does take some supplements: Blood Sugar Control, Chromium, Cinnamon and Probiotics. His blood sugar has highs and lows but he checks very infrequently. His last A1c was 6.8. He will not excersize or eat a proper diet. I have tried to help with his choices but only stir resentment and anger. I don't know if his mood swings are a result of my reminders of his bad choices or his own guilt dealing with a sugar/carb addiction. His mood swings come from nowhere sometimes and I don't think I am the cause. Sometimes it is road rage out of nowhere....very similar to bipolar disorder. He was in one of his moods last weekend when my granddaughter was visiting, very mean. It broke my heart and we have not spoken since. I left and went to our vacation home. I am prepared to seek counseling. Any suggentions would be welcome.

 

[John.in.France]

:welcome: to the forum.

Helping someone manage their diabetic condition is very difficult when they don't see the need to cooperate.

Regrettably, the mood swings may well be down largely to his condition and I'm ashamed to admit that before my diagnosis in 2010, my BH suffered a bit on that point although at the time neither of us knew that was the issue.

My cooperation with the diet changes necessary came as a result of my visit to the ER of our local hospital heading for a DKA coma. Death threats did it for me but it's not the recommended route.

I suggest that you review this site - Blood Sugar 101 The author is diabetic and has put together a very helpful site discussing the issues diabetics need to address in a very clear way with links to the science research behind the ideas. It might offer a few thoughts that you haven't yet considered.

I'm sorry that there doesn't seem to be any easy answers. In the four years that I've had the condition I was lucky that I had a very supportive BH who kept me on the straight and narrow. It is a shame that your husband doesn't seem to recognise the value of your support.

Please keep us posted on his progress and I'm sure some of the other members of the forum will have a few thoughts that may help.

 

[RobertIA]

My husband was formally diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2010. He was given a prescription for metformin but chose not to take it due to the list of side effects. He does take some supplements: Blood Sugar Control, Chromium, Cinnamon and Probiotics. His blood sugar has highs and lows but he checks very infrequently. His last A1c was 6.8. He will not excersize or eat a proper diet. I have tried to help with his choices but only stir resentment and anger.

I will answer this in parts. Which form if metformin was his prescription for? Many people to have problems with the regular metformin. Fewer people have problems with the extended release version (ER). If he prescription is for the regular metformin, then he may be right in his concern. The ER generally does not cause for most people and if it does, then he should have a talk with his doctor and seriously consider insulin as his next step. Metformin is the safest and most tested medication for type 2 diabetes and people generally do well with it - providing (yes there is always a but) they can tolerate the side effects.

You gave us no information about what your insurance will cover, or if the doctor would be willing to go to bat for extra test strips to help for about three or four months - some will encourage insurance for even longer. He needs to test regularly and several times each day at the proper intervals before and after meals.

The supplements are not bad, but the cinnamon is not going to help long term. I have never heard of the blood sugar control and I suspect he is wasting money there.

I don't know if his mood swings are a result of my reminders of his bad choices or his own guilt dealing with a sugar/carb addiction. His mood swings come from nowhere sometimes and I don't think I am the cause. Sometimes it is road rage out of nowhere....very similar to bipolar disorder. He was in one of his moods last weekend when my granddaughter was visiting, very mean. It broke my heart and we have not spoken since. I left and went to our vacation home. I am prepared to seek counseling. Any suggentions would be welcome.

Some of his mood swings can be attributed to the blood glucose swings. I will suggest that many men view the reminders from their spouse as being nagging and this will set them off in negative ways. This is counter productive and needs to be avoided. My mentor, David Mendosa has this blog which may also give you ideas Suppose Your Husband Has Diabetes - Husband or Wife - Diabetes .

You need to take the positive road and encourage him to reconsider metformin or insulin if he will not. Tell him you know he can manage his diabetes and at the same time let him know that you will help where able.

You might start an exercise routine on your own and after some time encourage him to join you. Do not try to force him.

Continue to ask questions here as many people can provide assistance and answer questions. The best of luck to you and you husband.

 

[David Burke]

Hi!

I'll just second what the others said about the mood swings. Swings in blood sugar can equate to mood swings, at least they did for me. My mood swings were so bad that when I felt them coming on I would have BH leave me alone for a couple hours until it passed. Once I got my blood sugar under control the mood swings stopped, except during football season

As far as his diet goes, what are striving for? Most of here eat a low carb high fat diet. The basic idea behind it is we severely limit our carb intake so our blood sugar doesn't spike. By doing this we aim for normal blood sugar levels, not just "good enough for a diabetic". Most people who eat this way have either reduced or eliminated medications. It's also very healthy for people who don't have diabetes. You can read the basics about it here:
www.dietdoctor.com/lchf

I'm sure you'll have more questions. I know I did. So ask away!

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