I have diabetes type 1 i’m 12. when i got diabetes 5 years ago i didn’t want to eat because i knew i would have to take shots.
I was very upset but you have to tell him that if he doesn’t take care of himself he will die because diabetes can mess with you. it could also be when he is learning how to take care of it his blood sugars will be out of control and he wont be himself (that’s how i am).

It is his diabetes. Our diabetic educator stressed the fact that men who have bad control develop ED and Viagra, Levitra, etc. will not work. Something for him to think about.

You really can’t. This is a journey he needs to take, and most of us have taken it. About the best thing you could do is check with your doc’s office or local hospital to keep an eye out for diabetes education classes. Sign both of you up and attend together. Sometimes just knowing he’s not alone and hearing others’ ideas of how they live healthier can boost his motivation. There is also a really good 30-minute TV show called DLife on CNBC on Sunday afternoons that you could record and watch together.

Being a diabetic myself (although I am type 1), I can understand the denial your husband is going through. I’ve battled this disease for 18 years, and it is a day to day battle. A good Endocrinologist is key to controlling this horrific disease. A local support group could also open his eyes, and if your town doesn’t haven’t a support group it would be a good idea to start one (you could contact your local hospital to see if they could offer classes and professional advice; in my town the hospital offers this and holds the meetings there). If he already hasn’t been, he needs to be informed about the dangers of uncontrolled diabetes. It can lead to heart disease, blindness, impotence, high blood pressure, amputation of limbs, kidney failure and even death (there are more complications, these are just the ones that are more common). I had an uncle who didn’t control his diabetes, and he passed at the age of 35, but I had a great aunt who did control hers, and she recently passed in her late 70′s. If the disease is controlled, he can live a normal, healthy life.

Most likely he will have to be beaten over the head with effects of not following a good food plan and taking care of himself. Most men are this way. Sorry to say that, but it is true!

You can do the most by changing how you eat and only purchase those foods. I recommend the South Beach phase 2 as a very easy plan to follow for meal planning. Good fruits, veggies, meats, things that are good for anyone!

The American Diabetic Assn’s idea of a proper diet is just smaller servings of the old Food Pyramid, which doesn’t work for most people.

Lead the horse to water by example! You cannot make him drink, but you can set the example by never preparing foods he shouldn’t eat.