Dementia + Diabetes = ??

ESoprano

Seeking advice, experiences caring for someone w/insulin dependent diabetes + Alzheimer's. DH, diagnosed last year, refuses help on insulin dosage & administration. Despite warnings, instructions of Endo & Neuro MDs. I've given up, resigned he'll end up in ICU. (Insulin pump is not an option, too dangerous, per Endo.) Appreciate your ideas!

Rocky2

ESoprano, My DW is a type 1 diabetic and is now early stage 6 EOAD. Caring for someone with dementia is challenging. Add to the dementia caregiving the diabetic care piece, including insulin dosing, injections and watching their carb intake, really compounds the challenge.

I am blessed in the fact that DW is pretty easy-going and never fought me for control of her diabetic management. Very early in DW's dementia journey, I talked with her endocrinologist, educated myself on her diabetic management and took over her blood sugar checks and insulin injections. SInce I do the cooking anyhow, I was fairly easily able to manage her diet and ensure the proper carb count.

In my opinion, it is critical for the caregiver to take over insulin management for a PWD. Dementia takes away the ability of the PWD to manage their own diabetes. Insulin is life saving, but can also be fatal if improperly controlled. It may be an easier path to have the doctor tell your DH that you will be handling his insulin. Sometimes it is better accepted that way.

I wish you well as you care for your DH and particularly with the added responsibility of diabetic management.

I'm not a medical professional. But some in this community are. I'm sure that others will have additional ideas to share with you.

Tom

Marta

Esoprano- if your husband is a type 2 diabetic it may be possible to transition to Ozempic or similar once weekly injectable. Has the endo mentioned this. If he’s type 1, then no.