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Newbie Hello

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F

FJS

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Carer/Partner
Hi
I am the wife of a diabetic. We have been together 14 years, he has been diabetic since his teens so I already knew everything when we met.
It’s lonely being a partner. I don’t like to talk to him about the difficulties of the condition when I need to intervene as I fear upsetting him, nor can I talk to friends or family as I respect his privacy. I am on my own in this and yet feel guilty to need to find a support group for myself.
 
Hi. You are very welcome here.

Please feel free to let off steam, seek advice or just have a good moan. As you are probably aware it can be as anonymous as you wish, so let your hair down and let it all out. Who knows, we may learn something from you!

Whilst most of us are diabetics, we have a few partners as well as parents of diabetics and indeed children of diabetics tap into the forum from time to time. It is always interesting to read about diabetes from someone else's perspective as we are often so wrapped up in dealing with it ourselves, we don't realise how it impacts others close to us, although I know my partner finds it pretty boring and would rather I didn't talk about it to him. I do however have a very supportive sister and friend.
Anyway, if there is anything you would like to ask or something particular which causes you concern or anxiety, we are here to try to support you.
I get the impression from your post that your husband's diabetes may not be terribly well controlled and I wonder if you are dealing with some quite bad hypos. If that is the case, it doesn't have to be like that. There is much better education and technology to help people manage their BG levels more safely these days. If someone has been diagnosed a long time, they may have dropped out of the loop and would benefit from some up to date input and support to improve their diabetes management. Apologies if I have picked on that incorrectly.

I look forward to hearing more from you and I hope we will be able to help you to support your husband better.
 
Welcome to the forum @FJS

I am pleased that you have found the forum and I hope that we can be of some help.
If you would like to tell us alittle more about the ways in which you are needing to support your husband that can help us tailor our advice to your needs. Also this is a good place to let off steam and have a good rant if needed.

Where you mention that you cannot speak to family or friends is that because your husband is not open about his Diabetes with them? If there are any things that you are note sure about, do ask any questions that you have. We will help in any way that we can.
 
Hi, I'm the partner of a newly diagnosed T2 and I know exactly how you're feeling. It is lonely and hard work. Everyone is asking after my OH - and rightly so, but I don't think many people realise the strain it has on others involved. Both of our lives have been changed forever due to this. I know it's not all bad and we have a lot still to be grateful for, but it is still a challenge. All I can say is that this forum has been a lifeline for me, and subsequently for my OH. Stay strong and know you're not alone.
 
I an type two and controlled by diet only. It is rather different from the usual, modern diet, but I seem to be thriving on it.
If you need any advice on shopping or cooking for type two, just say.
 
Welcome to the forum @FJS

Yes, I completely agree with you! Often the burden on partners, significant others and family members is overlooked. I know that Diabetes UK are working on this and trying to work out how best to support people in your situation.

Support for parents of children with diabetes seems much more established and acknowledged. But partners and spouses are iften left to just get on with it.

This ‘diabetes etiquette’ card has some helpful pointers about having open and supportive conversations around another person’s diabetes


Is your partner having frequent episodes of ‘severe hypoglycaemia’ (those where a person cannot treat the hypo themselves, and needs a third party to help them)? This can be particularly distressing and worrying for partners, but there are specialist, and very effective, sources of help available.
 
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