2 ER visits in early Dec with BS levels in 380s Put on insulin. Memory issues, can't take or do this on own. Or even remember if he did give it to himself. I ended up at ER the end of Dec with chest pains (71) & 3 day overnight stay. Fortunately, not heart, JUST stress. I'm at my daughter's to help her with granddaughters therapy (my respite care) PCP thought a little nudge would be good for POA daughter (in denial) & told me to come out. Here 1 more week. Haven't been able to get any blood sugar level info from husband. Don't think she's taken it. When all this happened in Dec, I couldn't check it because Daughter had removed monitor, saying dr said he didn't need to check anymore. Now I'm being told this again, only now he's taking insulin, not just oral meds. Think this is irresponsible on all fronts..How can we know if what we are giving him is Ok? Am I the only one that thinks this is strange?
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Getting a blood sugar reading provides information that can help you change your actions and thereby improve your blood sugar level. For many of us who take insulin, how much insulin we take is based on a blood sugar reading. But if the insulin amount is to be the same with each shot, then knowing the reading is less valuable. (Sometimes a consistent dose is prescribed for elderly sedentary people.)
Also taking a reading can tell you that you are hypoglycemic and should treat that (by eating some carbs). But we learn quickly to recognize those symptoms and even if they happen when I don't have a monitor handy I drink some fruit juice.
I guess I'm saying that it is possible your husband's doctor has decided to keep his self-care as simple as possible and see how that works out. I assume the doctor would want to see your husband every 3 months, for a lab test.
It is also possible that your daughter is in denial or has misunderstood the instructions.
YOU need to go with husband to doctor who is treating his diabetes, and learn first-hand exactly what the plan is.
I am sorry that you are being pulled in so many different directions for your caring skills. At this time it would seem to me that your husband needs come first. Once the situation is stable, that may change. I think you can finish out the week you planned with your granddaughter, but call now and make an appointment to see your husband's doctor as soon as you get home.
Since you have access to the internet, I also suggest you do a little searching on treatment of diabetes in the elderly. I think you will find that there is more than one approach, and that making adjustments for the fact that someone is elderly and has memory issues isn't necessarily "irresponsible." A little background knowledge may help you listen to his doctor with a more open mind.
Get yourself home and take husband, POA daughter and yourself to his doctor. Everyone needs to be on the same page with Dad's meds and his diabetes!!! Being in denial is one thing but withholding meds is abuse and a threat to your husband's health/life. She may need to see a therapist or get evaluated; certainly doesn't sound like a responsible person. Good luck!
You are on respite taking of a granddaughter's therapy? Come on, give me a break. You needed some ME time not childcare duties. Your daughters' may need to realize that it is time to take care of Mom and Dad.