Type 2 Diabetes

pasp75 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008, 07:43 AM

My Father has type 2 diabetes he was diagnosed 2 years ago.
They put him on some medicine for it, and it didn't seem to help him.
So, last Tuesday they put him on insulin. During the day his blood sugar is 120, but when he wakes up it is 230.
My Mother doesn't know what to do. She don't know if he should go back to the doctor. Or give the insulin somemore time.

Evermont · #2 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008, 08:02 AM

Hi and welcome to DF!

You didn't mention what kind of medicine your dad started 2 years ago, or the dosage, or whether he actually takes it. Does your dad exercise? Can he? What is his diet like? Does he get too many carbs?

There are a lot of knowledgeable folks here that will be happy to help your dad. Maybe you could get dad or mom to join us here too!

Dan Gato · #3 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008, 08:04 AM

Hi Welcome to DF !

Carbs affect a lot the glucose levels, do you know how many grams of carbs he is eating daily?

I woke up today with a 108. my dinner was chicken, veggies, an orange. or about 10 grams of carbs & mostly protein.
He may need to adjust how much insulin he is taking before going to bed, or he may need Metformin.

See you,

xMenace · #4 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pasp75

My Father has type 2 diabetes he was diagnosed 2 years ago.
They put him on some medicine for it, and it didn't seem to help him.
So, last Tuesday they put him on insulin. During the day his blood sugar is 120, but when he wakes up it is 230.
My Mother doesn't know what to do. She don't know if he should go back to the doctor. Or give the insulin somemore time.

He should check in with his doctor.

High morning numbers are very common. We could give him all kinds of advice, but where he's new, inexperienced, and largely ignorant of the various behaviors involved, he should check in with the doc.

Most likely he'll up his basal insulin slightly (usually Lantus or Levemir), but other doses may need adjusting too.

Ask Dr. Google about "Dawn Phenomenon"
"Dawn Phenomenon" - Google Search

pasp75 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 07:30 AM

I found out my Dad's medicine he takes Metformin 1,000 MG, Glipizide 5 mg. But he doesn't exercise daily, and I am sure he eats to many carbs.
His insulin shot is Humulin he takes this shot every morning.
The nurse called him Friday, and he told her that his blood sugar was high, and she told him to increase the shot from 5 to 10. So, on Saturday morning his blood was 286. That made him worry. I am sorry I am not very good at all this stuff. I am just trying to help him out.
Also here where we live they have a support group that is free, but my Mama cannot get him to go.

Evermont · #6 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pasp75

...on Saturday morning his blood was 286. That made him worry. I am sorry I am not very good at all this stuff. I am just trying to help him out...

For some people change is very hard. The fact that dad is worried is a good sign.

You have nothing to apologize for, just coming here looking for answers is more than many would do.

If mom does all the shopping and cooking then perhaps she can offer more low carb, or healthier carb selections and improve things that way.

Let your dad know that he can lurk here and decide to post later if he feels comfortable. He can always remain anonymous too whether lurking or posting, maybe that would make him feel better. Anyway, doing some searches here on DF, especially searches for "DP" or "Dawn Phenomenon" and gaining knowledge about it might calm his worries.