Does anyone have experience with an aging (type 1) diabetic?

[Aimeedyan]

Potentially morbid questions...

My grandfather, his early 80s, is having more and more issues with his diabetes. It's not under control and they don't seem to be able to get it under control. 911 is being called fairly regularly now due to his passing out. He has some other complications, such as heart issues and low blood pressure, that are probably making the situation worse.

He lives alone and refuses to live anywhere else. More and more often, his girlfriend is having to go over to his home to check on him (and has found him passed out and had to call 911).

As a family, we are struggling with next steps. Do all aging diabetics reach this point? Where their blood sugar is impossible to regulate? Do all aging diabetics reach a time when they pass out on a regular basis? How does the family handle the situation?

I don't understand enough about type 1 to know what eventually causes death. Is it complications? Can he pass out and not be found in time? How long can he go passed out before it's too late? Is time of the essence when he's passed out somewhere? Since he lives alone, it could be hours before one of us realizes what has happened and gets to him.

I will Google some as well but I'd love to hear from people who have loved and supported an aging diabetic and what choices the family and person made in the last stages of life.

Thanks.

 

[denisenh]

Do you know what his readings are?

Generally,"brittle" (uncontrolled with fluctuating readings) do well with sliding scale dosing/readings 4-5 times a day. But depending on his situation, that may not work.

What does his doctor say? Is he demented? (You grandfather, not the doc)

 

[Aimeedyan]

Do you know what his readings are?

Generally,"brittle" (uncontrolled with fluctuating readings) do well with sliding scale dosing/readings 4-5 times a day. But depending on his situation, that may not work.

What does his doctor say? Is he demented? (You grandfather, not the doc)

I have not been to an appt with him, but his doctor has hospitalized him several times in the last few months to try and get him stable. Part of the problem is that he has no appetite and does not eat, throwing his blood sugar out of whack. His memory is going. But since he refuses to live with anyone else or "be babied", as he says, it's hard for anyone else to monitor. His readings go up and down like a rollercoaster.

He is fiercely independent and not showing signs of dementia at all. He still teaches classes and works.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Friendly bump for the evening crowd =)

 

[lisah0711]

to you and your grandfather and your family.