Newbie - Advice anyone?

[Ant Maddock]

The one thing I struggle with is getting him to do his readings. When he's at work it's fine but it's the weekends where he just seems to not bother. Is there anything that anyone could suggest? X

This is tricky because taking readings regularly is important but diabetics do not necessarily like doing that. I understand the reluctance as it can make you feel a bit different to everyone else which is the last thing you want to feel! I follow a professional cycling team who compete at the highest level. All the messages they send out involves test, test, test. Before the ride, during the ride, after the ride, after food, before bed etc. Don't suggest that he needs to do it that often but before each meal is good.

 

[Mini-Vicki]

It's very difficult to help someone who doesn't want the help.
I had a lot of difficulty dealing with being diabetic for several years, and I got very angry if anyone mentioned anything about it to me. I'm feeling a lot better working myself nowadays, and therefore I don't mind people asking me about my health. I think it was because I knew I wasn't looking after myself as well as I could be, and it felt like judgement from other people. I'm not saying this is what you're doing at all, I just think everyone deals with things differently.
My husband comes with me to all my appointments where possible, so he knows how I'm doing, and also remembers to ask questions I forget, and also remembers things after the appointment that I haven't taken in! It helps me a lot actually.
Has your boyfriend been on any diabetes education courses such as DAFNE? I dragged hubby along to that too, so he understands carb counting, and has often worked or how much insulin I need before I've worked it out myself. If he does go on one of these, see if you can go along too, if he is comfortable with that x

 

[Dais99]

It's very difficult to help someone who doesn't want the help.
I had a lot of difficulty dealing with being diabetic for several years, and I got very angry if anyone mentioned anything about it to me. I'm feeling a lot better working myself nowadays, and therefore I don't mind people asking me about my health. I think it was because I knew I wasn't looking after myself as well as I could be, and it felt like judgement from other people. I'm not saying this is what you're doing at all, I just think everyone deals with things differently.
My husband comes with me to all my appointments where possible, so he knows how I'm doing, and also remembers to ask questions I forget, and also remembers things after the appointment that I haven't taken in! It helps me a lot actually.
Has your boyfriend been on any diabetes education courses such as DAFNE? I dragged hubby along to that too, so he understands carb counting, and has often worked or how much insulin I need before I've worked it out myself. If he does go on one of these, see if you can go along too, if he is comfortable with that x

Hello! That was actually soo helpful! I didn't really look at it like that. He hasn't been to one but I understand how to do the carb counting and that's what we do before his meals but sometimes he forgets and if I remind him he gets a bit angry. Sometimes his mood swings are ridiculous and I just want to help xx

 

[Mini-Vicki]

Hello! That was actually soo helpful! I didn't really look at it like that. He hasn't been to one but I understand how to do the carb counting and that's what we do before his meals but sometimes he forgets and if I remind him he gets a bit angry. Sometimes his mood swings are ridiculous and I just want to help xx

I got home from work this evening, and I was in an absolutely foul mood, and I was pretty snappy to hubby, he (very gently) suggested I check my BG, and I was hypo
So, what I'm saying is, is that diabetes can cause mood swings. I'm moody if I'm too low or too high, and especially if I'm swinging between the two, which can sometimes happen, and may be what your boyfriend is experiencing if he isn't looking after himself as well as perhaps he could.
Maybe, when he's in a good mood suggest an education course. Carb counting is a huge part of gaining control, but there's lots of other elements to good control as well.
For example, I am more insulin resistant in the morning, and my carb to insulin ratio is different... It may also be useful for him to talk to other patients with diabetes, and swap hints and tips etc 🙂

 

[Martin Canty]

Sometimes his mood swings are ridiculous and I just want to help

I hear you, for a while, before DX I was quite unpleasant..... then as I brought my BG under control I became way more even tempered.

 

[Copepod]

I agree that mentioning DAFNE (Dose Adjustment For Normal Eating) course to your boyfriend is a good idea. He'd have to get a place through his diabetes clinic. Usually, it's 5 days, either a working week or one day a week over a few weeks. Usually, partners can attend for a session (half day) towards end of course, but not for the whole course, as it's mainly about learning to manage own diabetes. I've never been offered a palce at a suitable time tp fit in with my work schedule.