Why Are Some Diabetics So Stubborn?
By KrauseHome
@KrauseHome (36448)
United States
March 13, 2012 5:27am CST
Personally if you were to ask me, and a lot of Doctors, they would say I am not the Best Diabetic out there, so sometimes I might not have any room to talk, but seriously sometimes I swear some people who are Diabetic and know they are, would be Best off not knowing. Especially the ones who always say they know what to Eat, or judging me for what I eat, and having to always take Insulin later.
But the thing most of them never understand, is A ... No one Diabetic is alike, and B ... I am type 1 and 1/2 so everything I eat usually spikes me to where I have to take insulin. But what really gets me, is one woman I work with, she is one to always judge me and tell me what I need to do, or should do while sitting there drinking a regular Pepsi, or a Lemonaide. Her last A1c was over 13. My highest ever that made them put me on Insulin was 11.6.
The worst part of it was tonight at work, she was drinking first a Lemonaide with lots of sugar in it, and drank it all in less than 30 mins. Then she drank a Pepsi, and kept on saying she was thirsty. She even drank 3 bottled water. I asked her once if she had checked her Blood Sugars, as this was a warning of being really high since she was so thirsty. She said she was not worried, and was ok. Later during the evening for some reason she decided to Test. I heard her make a comment that all her machine was reading was HIGH and she would take care of it when she got home as she had some medication at home. What??? She is not taking anything or her doctor is telling her she does not need to take anything? She bawked and refused to be admitted the time she ended up in the Emergency room with over 400 when they wanted to admit her. She even swares she is in control. It is no BIG deal, and will never need Insulin, or would never take it.
I said something or tried to when she was laughing about it not reading on the meter, and she got defensive and told me to leave her alone and mind my own Business even when I was trying to help her before. Personally not sure what it will take to make her wake up before she ends up in ICU, a coma, or Death. Makes me glad I am a little more aware of things and trying to better my Health. Like I said, I am not perfect and my blood sugars are always all over the place, but the only time I have ever been over 500 ... which reads HIGH on most meters is when I was on Prednezone to help with a severe infection. To me, I guess this is more of a way for God showing me to keep being dilagent as this is a Big wake up call warning for sure.
But we ended up getting into a Huge fight and she got totally defensive, so maybe I was wrong, but I was only trying to help. Hoping somehow she wakes up to what she is doing to herself before she ends up really realing from her actions in a Bad way instead. (She is in her mid 40s, so you would think she would want to take care of herself more.) What would you have done?
~~TINA~~
6 people like this
15 responses
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
13 Mar 12
It sounds to me like you're both giving advice when nobody asked either of you for it.
Probably your reoccuring sore leg with you going to the wound clinic is why you get so much unsolicited advice. While you're saying your 11.6 is better than her 13, she's probably saying that her legs are better than yours.
I didn't realize this was a comparison contest, but you brought it up.
Keep also in mind that sugar and insulin fluctuations can change a person's personality. My brother is nice and calm when his sugar is normal. But he's sluggish and then aggrassive when it goes low. He sleeps and wants to be left alone when it's high. My Father was really angry when his was high and really sarcastic when it was low.
Positive reinforcement works better than negative. When you see her doing the right thing, complement her on it. Granted, it doesn't sound like she's doing much right, but even if she eats a salad or takes her meds, it's a step in the right direction. You're not her Mother or her Doctor. Ignore inappropriate stupidity. It may be a trap. After all why tell you how stupid she's being if she doesn't want you to comment so she can yell at you? If it's a pattern, how many times will you fall for it?
I find ignoring or not talking to mouthy people does wonders. Lead by example and don't stress her or yourself. Stress messes up sugar levels. You've done what you can. She wants none of it. It's her life. It's hers to live and die as she sees fit.
I get enough unsolicited advice about cancer that I finally had to tell people to leave me alone.
If she actually asks for your help, that's fine. But if she doesn't, then 40 is old enough to grow up. She's not 12 or an immature 20 year old. She's in her 40s. Even if she asks for your help, it may be a trap. So proceed with caution. Most peole are in a coma by 400 or 500.
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
4 Aug 12
I have had Blood sugars in the 400s before, and only time I know of in the 500s was when I was taking a medication that kept my Blood Sugars high. I just can't believe people who one minute are talking about Healthy foods they need to eat due to being Diabetic and then the next minute are drinking a Lemonade with a lot of sugar in it. Makes me wonder if they really can justify this one the next time they see their Diabetic doctor with a High A1c?
2 people like this
@celticeagle (159017)
• Boise, Idaho
13 Mar 12
I think there is always one person (not always a woman) that thinks she/he knows it all and what others should be doing. i don't have diabetis, luckily I don't have it in my family genes. I don't know why some people think they don't need to follow a doctor's instruction. Probably has to do with the type of people you started out talking about. Maybe they just don't care!
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
14 Aug 12
Personally it makes you wonder. How can they say they know everything about being a Diabetic, and what they need to eat, etc. while drinking a regular lemonade, etc. as well. Especially when they claim they will NEVER take insulin but having a lot of other Health issues as well. Makes me Glad I am trying to be more proactive even on the days I would LOVE to hang it all up.
1 person likes this
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
13 Mar 12
I do not like telling anyone what they should eat or say that will make you fat or diabetic. But with type two diabetes running in my family and my in-laws, and now in the families of the wives my sons married, that will be a problem. I think that it is guilt. Unlike you who have type one diabetes, people assume that you got it because you ate too much of the wrong thing, sugar, etc. They forget that perhaps the ancestors of the diabetes should not have moved to a country where there were lots of sweets, and fats, and that they needed to live where they had to get a lot of physical exercise, lift heavy boulders, etc.
So it could be that the lady was fill of guilt and was in reality ashamed that she had pre diabetes or the full blown kind so she was acting as if she was fine.
3 people like this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
24 Mar 12
Good way to put it my friend, and so often the people who not monitoring their BG are the ones always acting as they are fine, and judging everyone else when in reality they need to be monitoring themselves more. Everything I eat and do affects my Sugar levels and some foods worse than others. But to tell me I need to do something more when you are Diabetic and drinking a reg. lemonade or Pepsi, and then have BG levels over 500 and not worried about it seems a little overboard for sure.
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
13 Mar 12
My sister is that way and she is a nurse! She will eat tons of sugar even ate a whole bag of corn candy one day on her way home.....my other sister and I really worry about her but if we say anything...man she get defensive too....I probably wouldn't have said anything....I have learned this from trying to get my sister's attention about her health...
3 people like this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
8 Aug 12
Well, it is rough being Diabetic and there are times I get so frustrated and upset that I will sometimes just eat something I know I am not supposed too to try and just relate with my problems. Especially when it comes to my LEG. But I do try to watch what I eat, and try to keep my sugars under control more. Just wishing I was not like a YO YO.
2 people like this
@wilsongoddard (7291)
• United States
13 Mar 12
Most Americans eat a horrible diet. Your co-worker is no different. Just because she is now diabetic doesn't mean that she is going to follow a better diet.
I've seen plenty of people eat garbage and then complain about all their various ailments. It's very simple. Garbage in, garbage out. You eat bad stuff, you feel badly.
Your co-worker will inhale her sugary sodas and lemonades. She isn't going to change. She lives in a society where there is a fast food joint within easy driving distance just about everywhere. Every supermarket has soda, but not every supermarket offers fresh, organic produce. Our public schools see fit to serve up "pink slime" to children.
Your co-worker is just one of many. Focus on making your own diet healthier. You can be a good example, but you generally can't force people to change their eating habits (unless, of course, you are the only one who cooks for the household, but that's a different story). Really, making a batch of fabulous vegan brownies and offering them up to others works a lot better than telling them that the double cheeseburger they're in the process of eating is going to induce a coronary. I know; I've tried. I'm now trying to stick to my beautiful and tasty path and others may follow me or not as they see fit.
3 people like this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
4 Aug 12
Yes, you are right here. We all can make a decision on how we want to eat, and what is considered Best for us, and either be proactive in our Health or not. I know there are times I do not eat like I should, but I am not one to constantly go around telling people how I should eat, or they should due to being Diabetic, and have something in my hand that makes them wonder. This is a double standard and she needs to take a step back and realize it.
2 people like this
@randylovesdar (4932)
• United States
13 Mar 12
Hi Tina,
It is sad that people with diabetes do not take care of themselves. I know that Randy's blood sugar has been slightly high after fasting (between 103 and 120, although this morning it was 140), but after he eats it's between 120-140. His last A1C was 10.6, but he has been losing weight and exercising as much as he can even with his foot condition. Randy will ocassionally have a small piece of chocolate (the last time was two weeks ago he had a tiny piece of a hershey bar) and he will have a sugar free candy bar which he breaks off a piece and has once a week. I am sorry that your friend can not take care of herself and she does need to watch carefully. randy had one spike where it wnet to 241, but we are noyt sure why (he had half a bagel and a cup of water).
I think you did the right thing by taking to her, but only she can take care of herself. It is sad that she does not have a better support group.
3 people like this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
8 Aug 12
Well, since it has been a little while since I started this discussion things are a little better, and she has been a little better with what she is eating. Now she is having other issues with herself that I was saying are not good. But when you were stating your husband's high is 241... I only wish that was my highest, but I am trying. It just seems like until my leg heals it is all over the board.
2 people like this
@BarBaraPrz (45487)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
13 Mar 12
I think if I were in your place, I'd just give her "the look" and ignore her. Some people just don't want to be helped, or told what to do.
2 people like this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
13 Mar 12
My husband loves "the look." All the guys at work brag about getting drunk or doing something stupid, so he gives them the, "You're stupid look." Why don't I ever think of that?
3 people like this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
4 Aug 12
Lately when it comes to dealing with working around her, this is all I do, and then question really now? I know she would have a hard time with most Diabetic doctors and nutritionists I know especially since she says she is OK but has an A1c higher than mine, is mine is in the 8's. It really bugs me when you can eat things you say are nutritious and good for you or a Diabetic while also drinking your Sugar filled lemonade while claiming everything is OK.
1 person likes this
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
13 Mar 12
Good morning, Tina! The old expression; "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink," comes to mind here!
I don't think much will turn this person around...they are in denial! For many, many years I had a dear friend whom was a "brittle" diabetic..juvenile onset, and I knew more about her condition, than she cared to know! Denial! It took two kidney transplants, and removal of her toes to finally accept the precariousness of life as a diabetic! I DO have some limited knowledge as I was a paramedic for 13 years.
Seems now, the only thing you can do, is be there to call the Ambulance!
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
24 Mar 12
Well, since she is still not talking to me after this incident, and even tried to make me and my husband look like a Bad guy, and get me in trouble to where my husband is not allowed in the building, she thinks she is OK. She still is talking Bad about me even after all this, and drinking her Lemonade and Pepsi products never once thinking about what it is doing to her. It is Sad to see people who are like this, and makes me wonder what it will take for change. Just hope it does not kill her before waking her up.
2 people like this
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
24 Aug 12
tina maybe she will have to have a very close call and hear the doctor tell her "Mrs x did you know you came very close to dieing as you were in a coma and it was luck we could revive
you. the next time you might not be so lucky" this was said to me when I boo-booed and ended up in a semi coma and spent overnight in t he hospital,. it woke me up to see I had to be in charge and take control of my blood sugar.maybe this is what she needs to be jolted into knowing she could die if she does not get control of
her diabetes.
2 people like this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
28 Aug 12
They have threatened to admit her into a hospital when she was running over 500 and refused. She swears she will never be on insulin. She maybe tests like 2 times a day. She says she is now taking more meds and having lows so when she is low I say she over does it as she drinks a regular lemonade and 2,Orange juice instead of consulting a doctor.
1 person likes this
@daeckardt (6237)
• United States
1 Oct 12
I was first told I was diabetic in 2005 and I couldn't believe it. I thought it would never happen to me (right...LOL). I thought the same thing about cancer too...I know when I was in the hospital I kept asking them why they were checking my sugar levels so often since I hadn't had any problems since before going to China several years ago. I was given information on my lab results a couple of weeks ago and saw that my sugar was up to 156 and I thought Oh no not again! I guess my evil ways are catching up with me now and I need to start eating well again so I don't have a problem in the future. Oh well...
@walijo2008 (4644)
• United States
15 Mar 12
I would of done the same thing you did, I would of tried to help her and tell her she needs to take better care of her diabetes. I've seen too many people in my family especially die from complications of diabetes or end up getting limbs amputated. Some people just won't listen though, they don't want to change the way they eat because they've always ate that way, and they can't see thats part of the reason they have diabetes. I'm type 2 diabetic, and have been since I was in my early 20's I'm 40 now, its still pretty much in control, I don't have no big problems or anything, I've learned to watch what I eat, and I know what my limit is on eating sweets, I know when to stop..haha. Like I said I've seen too many of my family members getting limbs amputated and I sure don't want to have to do that some day. I guess some people just don't care, they don't want to take their medicine like they should, I guess they don't want to live long lives. Me, I always take my meds, I'm too scared not to, I don't want to see the side effects of not taking them. Anyway, you did good in trying to help her, its her fault she doesn't want to listen to anyone's advice, apparently she doesn't listen to her doctor's either. Have a good day....
2 people like this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
14 Aug 12
It is sad to see the people out there who just do not care. She even will admit she forgets to take her medications, and even admitted she now takes more than one. What continues to get me is when she talks about it, and knowing what to do with a Lemonade or Reg Pepsi in her hand. She is starting to have a lot of other Health issues that could be Diabetic related and she says she is OK, and will never take Insulin. So let's hope she will always continue to be OK.
1 person likes this
@lampar (7584)
• United States
8 Aug 12
She may have feel frustrated with their incurable long term disease, the unfinish business of having to regularly monitor her own insulin level, the intake of certain type of food only in her life, and the slow progress of medical study in finding the cure for this deadly disease. If she want you to mind your own business and leave her alone, then it is better off for you not to tell her what to do or eat daily, let her take control of her own destiny. That will be the best way to move forward for both of you. 
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
18 Aug 12
Yes, it could be a cover since lately she has so many other things wrong with her. Many of them could stem from not taking care of her Diabetes, etc. but I think she is in for a long stressful journey unless she changes some of her ways. I know I have a long way to go, but I try to remember not to Preach about someone should be doing something different until I am making sure I am doing it as well.
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
5 Oct 12
True but what drives me crazy is that she is always eating so little always saying she knows what to eat while at the same time having a lemonade or regular Pepsi saying her sugar is low. Last I knew eating hardly anything so you can have a soda will only continue to confuse your body instead of being good for it. I know I am not always perfect but I do know eating is important.
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
24 Aug 12
but lampar and Tina she does not have to have a horrible miserable
life as a diabetic. I have been a diabetic for over 30 y ears and I know if I take control of keeping my blood sugar level I can be as happy and productive as anyone my age without diabetes. we do have to come to terms with it and know we can be happy and live a normal life we must eat like the doctors tell us we should all eat, to keep our hearts healthy so moderation in all things, cutting down on the foods that make your blood sugar spike and being happy yes happy, an optimist outlook does a lot more good than any doctor can tell you as being sour and stressed and poor little me can raise your blood sugar really high.it is not a deadly disease if you eat healthy live healthy and do not go around saying "oh woe is me I am a diabetic" no you are a person who has diabetes, you are not the disease.You have to look at this as an opportunity to once really care for you and live a healthy life style and keep your heart healthy that avoids hear attacks and strokes.so again I s ure wo uld rather have dabetes than heart diseased. I am living long and am happy as I am not a
diabetic I h ave diabetes, i am not the disease.
1 person likes this
@maygodblessu44 (7336)
• India
1 Aug 12
Hello my friend KrauseHome Ji,
Well, truely I wish to be within four walls of patientship and not to think about being Doctors. The more we pay attention, more I get sick, so I wish to divert my mind and devote on some other matters. Whatever is to happen, will happen. I am type-2 and so afr never took insulin etc. Remain with 4mg glimipride tablets/day.
May God bless You and have a great time
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
18 Aug 12
It would be awesome if I never had to worry about Diabetic issues, but since I still am dealing with problems with a Chronic wound not wanting to heal and my Sugar levels being all over the board, it is a never ending struggle. With everything going on now in my life I just continue to rely on god and know that one day this will all be over, and it was worth the wait.
2 people like this
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
24 Aug 12
tina worrying is just going to shove your blood suga r up,y ou need to try to be as optimistic as you can,. I do know how horrid it is
to not get any real help to heal you r wound,even with mne and the rash theat even went to cellulitis it took almost two years and u mpteen doctors to find the right one who knew what it was and what would cure it.I am still sending prayers to you that you will get the right person who will b e able to heal that wound as he or she has to be out there.meantime really really
try to keep your blood sugar at a good level. In spite of all your troubles if you endorse some positivity you will see your blood
sugar levels stay at a good place. really stress and worry do
us in as they will spike our blood sugar and thats even if we had not eaten anything,Relying on God also helps and knowing he may be trying to show you how to relax and not stress out.please do not think I am criticizing as I am not. just trying to be of any
help as I know what diabetes is like too and what does work and what does not,.
1 person likes this
@maygodblessu44 (7336)
• India
25 Aug 12
Hello my friend KrauseHome & Hatley Ji,
tHIS MORNING FEW MINUTES BACK ONLY i HAD RESPONDED AND PLEADED THAT sHE SHOIULD REMAIN HAPPY AND FORGET HER dIABETIC PROBLEM, CONCENTRATE ON SOMETHING ELSE. This is what I responded.
Well, I am DM2 since all most more than 15 yrs now, but having regular treament only since six Years, but I never follow diet prescribed by Dr. Some times back I had send you my diebetic findings, I will try and repeat here once more :-
CHART-II Blood Sugar
Date PP Fastg
Normal
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
20 Mar 12
I think that there are a lot of people that are very stubborn to start with and because of that, when these very stubborn people are diagnosed with diabetes, they are going to be stubborn in the way that they deal with their disease. I know that this was the way that my grandmother was when she was alive, if she wanted something, then she would eat or drink it and I know that diabetics have to watch everything that they eat or drink.
You can try to help someone, but it won't do any kind of good unless they are willing to accept the help that you offer them.
2 people like this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
16 Aug 12
Yes that is the truth and I think that is why it bothers me so much when you are trying to do everything you can to take care of yourself and because something will not heal they blame you while others who think they know everything are always drinking a lemonade full of sugar and then acting like it is no big deal if their sugar levels are high.
1 person likes this
@fantasticbabe (981)
• Philippines
13 Mar 12
there are different cases where they get so stubborn,because they feel so worse and not right. especially, those middle age women and men they get irritated and not in the mood. sometimes they want to eat this or do this and there doctor does not permit them so sometimes they indulge or do something which should not be allow on there cases. those patent like to do t on their own even risking their life so they just follow there impulses which is totally wrong.
3 people like this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
24 Mar 12
Well, what made it interesting is she was always like you should not be eating Rice, or a Candy Bar as that is bad for you, and look you ate Oatmeal and your sugar is now high, and you have to take insulin. Watch what you eat, never understanding I am type 1.5, which is like type 1, so everything I eat spikes me usually unless I have had too much insulin. But it is true from fact... When your Sugar levels are high you do become very moody, and often think you know it all, so nothing anyone says is right except for you.
2 people like this
@randylovesdar (4932)
• United States
23 Sep 12
I know the feeling. When Randy was first diagnosed his sugars were 10.5 and the doctor put him on insulin. They had to take him off because the insulin was making him dizzy (this continued for a month before we spoke to his doctor because we knew it was a side effect). Now his sugars are down to 5.8 and his sugar levels are 130 after eating and 100 before eating. We need to find ways to get his sugars down in the morning before eating. He still takes Metporman. Randy does have his days where splurges (maybe once a month), but he is very careful. I know once in the beginning is blood sugar was 350 and he was hospitalized for observation, but it was a wake up call for him. Now he is doing much better.
