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Friend refuse to take insulin

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Posted 7/15/2012 4:12 AM (GMT 0)

Hi,  I  have a friend who was diagnosed with diabetes.  The doctor had her on insulin.  Well, she told me she felt like she didn't need the medicine anymore.  I asked her did she atleast check her blood sugar and she said, "No, because it frustrates her."  I'm concern because my father was a diabetic and I know it's nothing to play with.  I kinda of back away from the subject because she started getting upset.  I got up the nerve to ask her again and she said, " I check my sugar and it was over 400."  She told me it was high like that because she just ate.  All she needed to do was exercise and it would be okay.  Then, she said she went to a class about diabetes and most of the people their was overweight even her nutritionist said she couldn't understand how she had diabetes.  I told her you don't have to be overweight to have diabetes it could be hereditary.  She fianlly told me she plans on getting check out but I don't know if it's because she wanted me to stop pressuring her.  I tried to assure her that I know how she feels because I have a chronic illness also and it sucks having to take meds but  I do it.  I'm worried about her.  I could really use some advice about my friend.  I never knew anyone who just didn't take their insulin. 

Posted 7/15/2012 7:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Cee7: :)

I'm sorry that you have to go through this. You have your own chronic condition to worry about. You are a Good Friend though by trying to help her.

If she is counting carbs and taking her Insulin she shouldn't be hitting anywhere near 400. There is an illness called Diabulimia where a Diabetic(usually females) think they are over-weight even though they may not be. They deliberately do not take their Insulin, in order to lose weight. High blood sugars causes weight loss after a while.

Unfortunately and as you may know, People who are dxd. with diseases/conditions usually have to go through the 5 steps of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.

Some People may experience only two of the five stages or all in different order or get stuck in one stages for many years. Some unfortunately never reach Acceptance. It is very individual and it depends on the person. We usually cannot make our Friends rush to Acceptance and take control of their chronic disease. Denial and depression are common and can be a motivation killer.

Is there an informal Diabetic group in her area that she could join? There are lots of Diabetes sites on the net for her to join and to get help from the Nice and helpful People there, if she is too shy to join a live contact group. Hopefully she has been taught how to properly care for herself. Does she have someone to go walking, biking, swimming, etc. with? Does she have enough money for her meds and other needs?

You are in a hard place right now. I'm still there with a Friend for 7 years. He is out of denial but he is still in depression. We've tried everything to help him. I wish much luck to you and your Friend.
Posted 7/15/2012 1:06 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the forum, Cee7Jay1.  Is your friend type 1 or 2?  I think she is in denial as msOuchie said.  That is quite common at the beginning but I hope she learns more about the results of uncontrolled blood sugar.  She is at risk for major organ damage: heart, kidneys, eyes and possible amputation if this goes on for very long at high blood sugar levels.

You're a good friend because you care about her and I hope she understands that.  The more she learns about the consequences, the more likely she would want to make sure her blood sugar is controlled.  Maybe you could tell her about our forum?

Posted 7/16/2012 1:57 AM (GMT 0)

@msOuchie, My concern was her sugar was over 400.  I know she does go walking, but she says she hates taking the insulin she doesn't like the way it makes her feel.   I told her to go back to the dr. and tell her because they will find what works for you.  I know I had to do it.  She did mention one time she didn't have the money to go to the dr so she didn't go and I told her don't ever do that again.  I will give her the money.  I'm thinking it's just excuses.  It bothers me because she has kids and I ask her what will her 11yr old do if she slips in a coma. 

I know I did go through the five stages grief myself and it is hard to accept.  It never dawn on me she may never went through all five stages.  Thanks for the information. 

Her doctor told her about a support group of peole who has diabetes.  She went and told me everyone their was overweight, older, and she didn't feel like she belong there. 

I will always be there for her and I hope she comes around before something drastic happens.

@ LanieG, I think she is type 2.  I know she is at risk and that's why I'm so concern.  She has been a diabetic for two years.  She hasn't taken her insulin for about a year.  She keeps telling me she feels good and she walks.  I will tell her about this forum, because I know it has help me so much.  Thank you both for your response.

Posted 7/16/2012 2:00 AM (GMT 0)
I have a friend who is like yours. My friend is 58, probably older than yours. My friend has had 2 heart attacks, has to wear tie shoes because she has no feeling in her feet, has kidney damage, and retinopathy. Her #s are 300 and up, constantly.

She does not like to stick her fingers.

So, when she does take her insulin, she just guesses at how much. She wants to go on a pump like me, but doesn't want to put forth the effort involved to make it work.

I have given up trying to get through to her. When the subject tries to come up, I change it. I wish I could make her understand. There is an old saying, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. It's painful, but true. Just be a friend to her. If you are out for a bite, make a low carb choice, maybe she will follow. But you really can't do much, it has to come from within.
Posted 7/16/2012 2:12 AM (GMT 0)
Spookiesmom, I hate to hear that about your friend.  I know you are right...it has to come from within.  I just keep hoping I can reach her.  I will keep being a friend.
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