My Aunt is very ill so I inherited

[minkydog]

Your uncle sounds like a complete doll~! You're lucky to have him and he's lucky to have you, and a whole family who adores him. As far as the diabetes goes, it's not that hard. Really. I"m assuming that he is capable of managing his fingersticks. Is he also taking insulin?

A diabetic diet is really almost the same as a regular diet. You want to substitute no-calorie drinks for sugar-sweetened drinks. Have plenty of fruits, veggies and lean meats & dairy. High carb foods like bread, crackers, pasta, rice, white potatoes, and of course, sugary sweets should be limited, but not completely off limits. It's a myth that diabetics can't have sugar. They can, but not in large quantities.

Best of luck to you with your uncle. And strength to you to get through these last difficult days with your mother. I know this can't be easy.

 

[minkydog]

Someone beat me to the punch! I was going to ask the same thing. It might be comforting for your uncle to continue having some of his favorites.

Also, is there a message board for diabetics? And then try the WISH thread here, they have LOTS of recipes for various things.

Funny you should ask. TA-DA! http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/

 

[PixieDustandEeyore]

My fiance was diagnosed with diabeties while we were in vegas and he ended up hospitalized so I learned a bunch of diabetic recipes.

I use stevia instead of sugar in everything (though im sure you though of sweetner)
For him the dietician said lots of protein

So for breakfast try to make some form of egg dish and a slice of whole wheat toast (I just lost 100 lbs in 9 months so I watched carbs, sugars etc myself) I always did a high protein high fibre breakfast it worked well for me.

So for dinner I always eat turkey, fish or chicken with lots of veggies and either a bit of rice or a bit of potatoes. With those basic things there are ALOT of dishes
Im sure you'll do awesome cooking

ETA: When DFi was in the hospital they gave him oodles of pages on diabeties and loads of recipes I could scan them and email them to you OR I could just mail them to you when i get to California tomorrow
Just let me know!

 

[Imzadi]

First of all, I'm sorry about your aunt. This must be a very hard time for you. sending you lots of hugs.



Second, you are so wonderful and generous to be taking care of your DUncle.

Just remember that it is not just sugar that he should avoid -but other high carb type foods like white bread.

Yes, the above can't be reiterated enough. It is out of date info for people to think diabetes is only about sugar. It is the carbs. Sugar is a form of carbs. But, the hidden, unknown carbs in other foods are the danger.

There are so many posts we get here that people say they've become dizzy or hypoglycemic and don't know why because they didn't think they had much sugar. One of the first questions we ask is, "What did you eat today?" Woo wee! The amount of carbs they had (and normally eat,) they are lucky to be alive! A normal diet for them is like 90% carbs. People really don't know what carbs are and how much is in most foods.


Is your aunt still well enough that she can write down or dictate Uncle's favorite recipes into a voice activated recorder for you? He will probably appreciate having some of the same recipes, tasting the same way. She doesn't have to do it all at once. Just a couple recipes now & then, as she's feeling up to it.

Someone beat me to the punch! I was going to ask the same thing. It might be comforting for your uncle to continue having some of his favorites.

Oh, I just saw a couple other people have the same thought.

 

[Octoberbride03]

That book describes my trial, that's for sure!

My uncle actually lost almost 100 pounds by watching his diet and walking everyday. I hope to follow HIS example.

BTW, the entire family wants him to stay with them for a week, just like you!! You may have to listen to everything Erica did in the past 20 years but it's worth it!

If i lived closer you could send to my house. Lord knows I need to catch up on Erica. I am so far behind on AMC its ridiculous

 

[nkjzmom]

Robin, you are amazing. You've gotten so much good advice. I just wanted to lend you some love!!!

 

[ZuZugal]

There are all kinds of postings in our church bulletin every week; and many have to do with the elderly and care/housing/meals for them. Can you post something in your church bulletin?

If his SS is more than enough for the month maybe a little extra can be put toward someone in the church cooking for him? Sometimes all you need to do is post something like that and you'll have 10 people who want to give you their advice!

Just a thought...all I know is it sounds like you are peas in a pod...enjoy his company!

 

[Robinrs]

Wow, I left this thread on my computer and my son read it. He's known the DIS folks since he was 5 (he's 17 now) and he was aMAZed at all the information and caring that was displayed here. He came into my bedroom telling me what he read and was truly happy that so many people cared.

Thanks to all of you. I am expecting lots of out of town family today as everyone wants to see my Aunt. She is the glue of our family, the matriarch and the soul of a large and tight brood. Her kids who live out of state are flying in today, (they just left this weekend!) and my sister and her family are coming this morning. If for nothing else, this will be a time of memories and laughter!

Thanks again...