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Diabetes Q&A | Coping And Emotional Issues | I have a 45yr old son, he is a type 1 d
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06/19/09 11:21 AM

"I have a 45yr old son, he is a type 1 diabetic since he was 15yr, , He lives with me , his mother, I am the only caregiver, he drinks alcohol and then"
Asked By: cristela  
Category: Coping And Emotional Issues

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when he drinks, and then eats just a snack , he will have sisures, in the past he broke his showlder, his snkle and has been hospitalized with metabolic asidosis, I live in constant anxiety I am checking on him all night, today he has a sisure and I found him in the foor hitting his head, I usually can deal with some glucose jel, but he is big and strong and I am the one that is hurt, tell me what to do , I'm desperate . After this episodes he usually sleeps all day with a big headache , and does not want to eat.Please tell me how to live , I am planning a trip to my sisterr's howse for one month, but I dont have anyone to stay here with him, and he tells me he is an adult that can take care of himself , I worry for an accident.

Expert Answers (1)

12/02/09 03:26 PM

Ctistela, I apologize for the delay in answering your question. As a mom I know that the issues with adult children are much more difficult than when we had to put bandaids on boo-boos! You are to be commended for your willingness to care for your son, but he is 45 y/o and an adult! This is his diabetes & unfortunately his decisions can have horrible consequences for him and you. A couple of issues to address. First alcohol can cause low blood sugars so eating when drinking is critical along with more frequent blood sugar testing to prevent the lows. You should have glucagon at home to treat his lows when he is unable to swallow the gel. You can get a prescription from your health care provider. Second is his continued alcohol consumption with repeated poor outcomes. Addiction is certainly an issue to be addressed. Alcoholics Anonymous has helped many people and there are meetings every where! Check your local phone book or on line to locate a meeting. Al-Anon is for people living with people who have alcohol issues - I would highly recommend these meetings for you. There are people to help you learn to cope with this situation. You cannot change your son - only yourself. I hope by now you have had the stay with your sister and are feeling less frustrated. I would also suggest an appointment with your son's primary care or endocrine provider to discuss the lows - insulin adjustment may be needed. Repeated lows can cause neurological damage - this too should be addressed and evaluated. Thanks for seeking answers and don't give up.
Answered By: Beth McKinzie
Accreditations: RN, BSN, CDE
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