Sibling with Diabetes

[sistersalways]

I'm looking for a resource that provides support and knowledge to family members of those with diabetes. My sister is Type1, 47 years old, and has suffered renal failure and two strokes, the last of which has left her with a very poor quality of life and unable to communicate. I have so many questions but don't have anyone to turn to, for her husband has health care power of attorney and will not communicate with family members. Yesterday, upon arriving to the long-term care facility where she resides, I watched her husband give her a large strawberry milkshake from McDonalds. When the nurse arrived to check her blood sugar level, it was 577. My sister has a feeding tube, so her husband's constant sneaking-in of fast food is causing issues with keeping her blood and K-levels where they need to be. Is there anything or anyone a family member can turn to? A social worker has been meeting with my sister's husband, but it isn't helping.

[notme]

I think you may have found your support. Welcome to Diabetes Forums. I hope that you stick around and read and ask questions from the good people on this site.

Welcome

[carolyn]

Hello and welcome to the forum. We are all here to help and support each other, however we can.

[jenb]

I consider your brother in law's actions to be abusive. Perhaps I am overreacting, but it may be time to take action to protect your sister since she cannot act on her own behalf. Contact an attorney now.

[sable_032592]

i agree with getting some kind of legal information about this because he's obviously not taking care of her properly...

as for emotional support, this place has helped me out so much since i found it.... i'm here everyday...

[AngelKitty]

Hi and welcome to the forum.
What a horrible and difficult predicament you're in.
I think that seeking legal advice would be beneficial, I also would like to suggest that you have a discrete word with one of the registrars in the hospital department treating your sister, they need to be aware that your brother-in-law is feeding your sister high calorie / sugar / fat foods so that they can treat her condition more effectively and adjust her meds accordingly.
Try to stay strong and I'm sure you'll find lots of valuable advice from the friendly members on this site.

:) AngelKitty

[genie86333]

What a tough situation for you to be in. Perhaps a call to adult protective services is in order. Unfortunately, your brother-in-law is harming your sister, although I'm sure he doesn't see it that way.

Anyway, whatever you decide to do, as someone else said, we're a great support forum. :) Welcome.