What is the best treatment for uncontrolled diabetes?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am worried about my best friend's dad. He is 65-years-old, overweight, and stubborn as a mule. He loves gardening but can barely walk now.

He has type 2 diabetes and it is out of control. He does not take his medications or eat properly. Last week, he collapsed at a family function and his sugar level was over 500 mg/dL. They rushed him to the hospital. Now he has a very bad foot ulcer that is not healing. My friend's mom is exhausted from caring for him. The doctors suggest amputation if things do not improve. How can we convince him to take this seriously? Are there any new treatments that might help?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

It is understandably distressing to see your best friend's dad struggling with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, especially given the serious health implications he is facing, such as a foot ulcer and the potential for amputation.

The first step in encouraging him to take his condition seriously is by having open and empathetic conversations about his health. Emphasize your concern for his well-being and how his actions affect not only him but also his family, especially his wife, who is feeling exhausted from caregiving. Sharing stories of others who have improved their health by making lifestyle changes can also motivate him.

As for new treatments, there are options beyond traditional medications that might interest him. They are:

Continuous glucose monitoring systems can provide real-time feedback on blood sugar levels, helping him understand how his food choices and activities impact his health.
Additionally, there are newer diabetes medications, such as GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists and SGLT-2 (sodium-glucose transport proteins) inhibitors, that have shown benefits in weight loss and blood sugar control, potentially making it easier for him to manage his condition.

Encouraging him to incorporate physical activity he enjoys, like gardening, may improve his mobility and mood. Simple adaptations, such as raised garden beds, can make gardening more accessible and encourage him to engage in activities he loves while supporting his health.

Ultimately, a supportive approach that combines education, encouragement, and practical solutions will be most effective in helping him take control of his health.

I hope this helps. Please feel free to reach me again, in case of further queries.

Thank you.