Fixing a fat diabetic, how to change mindset?
Discussion
I need some advice or suggestions on how to change someone’s state of mind. My diabetic father.
He is 62 years old and overweight (around 18st) although he is a strong well built chap he just has a big gut.
He is a very clever man, but has completely the wrong attitude (some would say old school) when it comes to the way he should eat and exercise. He doesn’t eat badly or drink beer any more, but wont understand that certain types of foods and exercise would make a huge difference to his condition. In fact if he sorted himself out he could completely cure himself.
For example I looked at his breakfast, 1 bowl of Kellogg’s Branflakes. This contains more sugar in a bowl than he should have the entire day, but he thinks because its “Kellogg’s branflakes” it must be good for you, and so it goes on..
He goes to his useless doctor who seems to just change the numerous types of pills he has to take which make him, sleepy, drowsy, moany and so on depending on the type he is given that month.
Any suggestions really appreciated as he wont listen to any of us!
He is 62 years old and overweight (around 18st) although he is a strong well built chap he just has a big gut.
He is a very clever man, but has completely the wrong attitude (some would say old school) when it comes to the way he should eat and exercise. He doesn’t eat badly or drink beer any more, but wont understand that certain types of foods and exercise would make a huge difference to his condition. In fact if he sorted himself out he could completely cure himself.
For example I looked at his breakfast, 1 bowl of Kellogg’s Branflakes. This contains more sugar in a bowl than he should have the entire day, but he thinks because its “Kellogg’s branflakes” it must be good for you, and so it goes on..
He goes to his useless doctor who seems to just change the numerous types of pills he has to take which make him, sleepy, drowsy, moany and so on depending on the type he is given that month.
Any suggestions really appreciated as he wont listen to any of us!
I don't know as you can force him to change. But if you can find a way to make it easier for him to make the best decisions. Like staying over and cooking him a breakfast he'll like (Poached egg on toast or something), and leave him plenty of eggs.
(Not perfect but you get the idea)
There's always bribes! "Try it my way for a month and I'll get you a big new TV/send you on a great holiday/fishing" or something....
(Not perfect but you get the idea)
There's always bribes! "Try it my way for a month and I'll get you a big new TV/send you on a great holiday/fishing" or something....
Firstly, you can't "cure" diabetes. All you can do is mitigate it's effects.
Secondly, is it Type 1 or Type 2? I'd guess Type 2 because he sounds like my dad
It is very difficult to change the mindset, but there is a nuclear option - in my particular case, I had a secret weapon that was my girlfriend's step dad. He ignored all the advice of everyone, went blind, had his lower legs amputated and did shortly therafter. That was a proper wake-up call for my Dad.
Secondly, is it Type 1 or Type 2? I'd guess Type 2 because he sounds like my dad
It is very difficult to change the mindset, but there is a nuclear option - in my particular case, I had a secret weapon that was my girlfriend's step dad. He ignored all the advice of everyone, went blind, had his lower legs amputated and did shortly therafter. That was a proper wake-up call for my Dad.EINSIGN said:
I need some advice or suggestions on how to change someone’s state of mind. My diabetic father.
He is 62 years old and overweight (around 18st) although he is a strong well built chap he just has a big gut.
He is a very clever man, but has completely the wrong attitude (some would say old school) when it comes to the way he should eat and exercise. He doesn’t eat badly or drink beer any more, but wont understand that certain types of foods and exercise would make a huge difference to his condition. In fact if he sorted himself out he could completely cure himself.
For example I looked at his breakfast, 1 bowl of Kellogg’s Branflakes. This contains more sugar in a bowl than he should have the entire day, but he thinks because its “Kellogg’s branflakes” it must be good for you, and so it goes on..
He goes to his useless doctor who seems to just change the numerous types of pills he has to take which make him, sleepy, drowsy, moany and so on depending on the type he is given that month.
Any suggestions really appreciated as he wont listen to any of us!
I didnt realise Branflakes contain so much sugar- i'll have to find an alternative!He is 62 years old and overweight (around 18st) although he is a strong well built chap he just has a big gut.
He is a very clever man, but has completely the wrong attitude (some would say old school) when it comes to the way he should eat and exercise. He doesn’t eat badly or drink beer any more, but wont understand that certain types of foods and exercise would make a huge difference to his condition. In fact if he sorted himself out he could completely cure himself.
For example I looked at his breakfast, 1 bowl of Kellogg’s Branflakes. This contains more sugar in a bowl than he should have the entire day, but he thinks because its “Kellogg’s branflakes” it must be good for you, and so it goes on..
He goes to his useless doctor who seems to just change the numerous types of pills he has to take which make him, sleepy, drowsy, moany and so on depending on the type he is given that month.
Any suggestions really appreciated as he wont listen to any of us!
Have you tried suggesting going for walks in the country, checking out Natural woodland etc... basically anything which is exercise, but doesnt seem like it!!
tell him some of the effects of long term diabetes without treatment...
peripheral nerve problems, in particular effect the eyes (leading to poor visual acuity) and feet (leading to loss of sensation...increased risk of falls, damage etc)
also severe ateriosclerosis so increased risk of stroke, chronic renal failure which can lead to oedema as you pee out lots of proteins (swelling ankles is usually first sign), can lead to liver damage, etc etc
plenty more things i can come up with. it really is a horrific disease and tell him to stop being a t
t and sort it out.
Ross.
peripheral nerve problems, in particular effect the eyes (leading to poor visual acuity) and feet (leading to loss of sensation...increased risk of falls, damage etc)
also severe ateriosclerosis so increased risk of stroke, chronic renal failure which can lead to oedema as you pee out lots of proteins (swelling ankles is usually first sign), can lead to liver damage, etc etc
plenty more things i can come up with. it really is a horrific disease and tell him to stop being a t
t and sort it out.Ross.
www.livestrong.com
This website has been a fantastic eye opener for me for the actuall stuff that food contains. Also has a diabetes tracker (that he will not use!). For example I was exceeding my daily sugar intake because I was having a very large glass of natural orange juice each day!
This website has been a fantastic eye opener for me for the actuall stuff that food contains. Also has a diabetes tracker (that he will not use!). For example I was exceeding my daily sugar intake because I was having a very large glass of natural orange juice each day!
SPR2 said:
Ask either the doctor/ diabetict nurse or dietition for a food guide. Writing down what you eat each day helps to tell where you are going wrong.
He ended up in hospital because of the Diabetes, he also knows more apparently than the Doctors/Nurses etc… that’s the problem, its like telling a smoker or alcoholic to stop!EINSIGN said:
www.livestrong.com
This website has been a fantastic eye opener for me for the actuall stuff that food contains. Also has a diabetes tracker (that he will not use!). For example I was exceeding my daily sugar intake because I was having a very large glass of natural orange juice each day!
This website has been a fantastic eye opener for me for the actuall stuff that food contains. Also has a diabetes tracker (that he will not use!). For example I was exceeding my daily sugar intake because I was having a very large glass of natural orange juice each day!
I'm not saying their calculator is broken but these are their calorie calculations for my lunch.Food
Sliced Mild Cheddar Cheese
180
Wholemeal Bread, Thick Sliced
194
Chicken Breast Slices (chargrilled)
158
Crosse & Blackwell Branston Pickle
16
Lunch Totals
4374
The difficulty is that for a few years now, the diabetes dieticians have been generally advising low protein, low fat, high fruit and high grains, sugar in moderation. I have two type 2 diabetics in the family so have first hand experience of this. It drives me nuts to see my FIL eat low fat fruit desserts and piles of fruit, whilst having to have his meds increased every year, all with the blessing of his dietician. At least he only takes shredded wheat cereal now, after I proved to him it was the only breakfast cereal with no added sugar. Also he was never advised to watch sweeteners, and became quite ill through use of powdered sweeteners (usually bulked out with dextose) putting his blood sugar up past 12!
oldbanger said:
The difficulty is that for a few years now, the diabetes dieticians have been generally advising low protein, low fat, high fruit and high grains, sugar in moderation. I have two type 2 diabetics in the family so have first hand experience of this. It drives me nuts to see my FIL eat low fat fruit desserts and piles of fruit, whilst having to have his meds increased every year, all with the blessing of his dietician. At least he only takes shredded wheat cereal now, after I proved to him it was the only breakfast cereal with no added sugar. Also he was never advised to watch sweeteners, and became quite ill through use of powdered sweeteners (usually bulked out with dextose) putting his blood sugar up past 12!
Most porridge oats / original Ready Brek don't contain added sugar either.AlexS said:
oldbanger said:
The difficulty is that for a few years now, the diabetes dieticians have been generally advising low protein, low fat, high fruit and high grains, sugar in moderation. I have two type 2 diabetics in the family so have first hand experience of this. It drives me nuts to see my FIL eat low fat fruit desserts and piles of fruit, whilst having to have his meds increased every year, all with the blessing of his dietician. At least he only takes shredded wheat cereal now, after I proved to him it was the only breakfast cereal with no added sugar. Also he was never advised to watch sweeteners, and became quite ill through use of powdered sweeteners (usually bulked out with dextose) putting his blood sugar up past 12!
Most porridge oats / original Ready Brek don't contain added sugar either.
you're right. I guess I meant cold cereal.EINSIGN said:
I need some advice or suggestions on how to change someone’s state of mind. My diabetic father.
He is 62 years old and overweight (around 18st) although he is a strong well built chap he just has a big gut.
He is a very clever man, but has completely the wrong attitude (some would say old school) when it comes to the way he should eat and exercise. He doesn’t eat badly or drink beer any more, but wont understand that certain types of foods and exercise would make a huge difference to his condition. In fact if he sorted himself out he could completely cure himself.
Good luck with this. We all tried and failed with my father. He is now disabled and virtually homebound after a number of complications including kidney failure. This all happened to him 10 years ago, at 55, and it happened very suddenly. His body just cried "enough".He is 62 years old and overweight (around 18st) although he is a strong well built chap he just has a big gut.
He is a very clever man, but has completely the wrong attitude (some would say old school) when it comes to the way he should eat and exercise. He doesn’t eat badly or drink beer any more, but wont understand that certain types of foods and exercise would make a huge difference to his condition. In fact if he sorted himself out he could completely cure himself.
It has ruined my Mum's life as well as his, and the associated mental issues (depression, rage etc) are pretty unpleasant. e hasn't worked for 10 years either.
So it's a serious thing. Good luck. Happy to chat offlineif you want plenty of material to scare your Dad into sorting it all out.
Three weeks ago, I was diagnosed as having type 2 Diabetes. It's been a learning curve ever since. I agree with a lot of what's been said so far. If he's having regular check ups at the diabetic clinic at your local hospital then the staff such as the dietitian and the diabetic nurse should be doing their utmost to help him. I won't forget the day when I was in my GP's surgery. He said, "Your blood sugar level is 25.9 and you are going straight to hospital!" I did and it was the best thing that ever happened to me. Your father can't really afford to let his blood sugar level slide off the scale either way. It'll result in hypo or hyperglaecemia, damage to the blood vessels and nerves - neuropathy and retinopathy for example. One thing you must make plain to him is that you cannot be overweight and diabetic at the same time. The two are incompatible.
At the age your father is now, I see no reason why he can't have a better quaility of life. You say that he doesn't eat badly or drink beer anymore. Those are positive things. But please ask for a dietitian to speak to him.
My father was diagnosed as a diabetic in 1996 and he lived to he was 83. It wasn't diabetes that killed him.
If it's any help,click on Diabetes UK http://www.diabetes.org.uk/ It's a superb website that tells you everything you need to know.
At the age your father is now, I see no reason why he can't have a better quaility of life. You say that he doesn't eat badly or drink beer anymore. Those are positive things. But please ask for a dietitian to speak to him.
My father was diagnosed as a diabetic in 1996 and he lived to he was 83. It wasn't diabetes that killed him.
If it's any help,click on Diabetes UK http://www.diabetes.org.uk/ It's a superb website that tells you everything you need to know.
Edited by Langweilig on Friday 22 October 20:54
Edited by Langweilig on Friday 22 October 21:00
Edited by Langweilig on Friday 22 October 21:05
King Herald said:
EINSIGN said:
For example I was exceeding my daily sugar intake because I was having a very large glass of natural orange juice each day!
A common belief; that you can eat fruit until it comes out your ears, and it won't affect you, or make you fat etc. Wrong!Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff