Any T1 Diabetics here?

[Smashingdoozy]

I have a friend who is coming to stay with me for a little while. He is type 1 diabetic and is struggling a lot. His family isn't supportive at all. He's got severe anxiety and depression and is also terrified of needles to the point he's skipping meals so he doesn't have to take his insulin. (Obviously not very helpful with diabetes)

He just needs some extra love and support to get him back into a good headspace so I'm going to try provide a safe space for him to get there.

My plan thus far is to set up our spare bedroom for him with some fresh new bedding and some storage space for his things. Was thinking of getting a mini fridge and stocking it with some juice boxes and space to store the insulin.

Is there anything else that would be useful to have on hand?

[DJB72]

I'm insulin dependent type 2, which has similar issues.

If your friend is needle phobic I'd suggest you ask what to put in a fridge for them. Anything with high sugar content - especially fruit juices - will spike blood sugar high very quickly. It's a good thing to have around in case his blood sugar drops too far, but I'd suggest high protein snacks like jerky/biltong or nuts, mineral water, and small amounts of sugar free chocolate - very small amounts because artificial sweetener is toxic in large quantities and most are laxatives if you have a lot.

I'm needle phobic myself and it took me a long time to get used to stabbing myself six or seven times each day. After 25 years I'm ok now - not great, but I can do it.

Ask what snacks and drinks you can get that will help maintain control and think about carb content in meals. Hidden carbs are an issue for some people. It's easy to miss sugars hidden in sauces - baked beans and pasta sauces being the worst offenders.

Potato, rice and pasta in any forms are carb loaded. They will raise blood sugar. Don't avoid them completely, but you're safer with fats and proteins, vegetables - especially leafy vegetables and pulses - for meals.

Good luck.

[ChicoFromThe305]

I'm pretty sure everything he needs, he must already have but I'd say if you can pre stock certain types of foods you know he can eat so there's something, I think it's also recommended to assure what he can consume before getting that stuff, the only form of diabetic experience I have is my cat and the insulin I gotta give her every 12 hours but I'm sure he knows his routine.

[Anonymous]

He needs mental help. He shouldn't avoid eating because he's too scared of needles. He has to overcome his phobia. This phobia is affecting his well-being. Exposure therapy will help but he has to put the effort. Encourage him don't enable him.

[Smashingdoozy]

Well aware of that. He lives in a small town and it takes a long time to see a psychologist

[Opinion Owner]

Oh I hope your friend gets better. Help him to stay calm maybe you can hug him or hold his hand while he takes his insulin. Let him know he's okay and you're their to support him. Say we're gonna get through this, you're not alone. Maybe he can get video chat appointments with a physiologist or therapist? Churches also do counseling. I really hope your friend gets better. I used to have a phobia too. God truly set me free. ☺️

[Maybe_Maybe_not]

"severe anxiety, depression"
"Is there anything else that would be useful?"

Talking, like sharing truly, being listened to, trusting.
You won't do miracles, but it's better than nothing :)

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

Have the pharmacist recommend a small needles for giving insulin with I'm a Type 2 diabetic. I don't know what kind he uses, if he uses pen needles or regular syringes with needle. Pen insulin is better to use.

[Smashingdoozy]

I think he has pens. The fear is pretty strong he tried the wearable monitors once and refused to take it out when he needed to because he was so scared so it got infected. (I do think he should go back to those because it's better than multiple injections and pricks a day)

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

Yeah, I use one touch Verio and it's an accurate machine any glucometer one-touch is good and you can get them cheap

[msc545]

You need fruit juice for hypoglycemic episodes, glucose tabs, a glucometer, a device to prick fingers to draw a drop of blood, lancets, etc. Walmart carries all this stuff and the pharmacist can help you with other things to buy.

[Smashingdoozy]

He has all the equipment he needs to do his insulin and testing etc. I'm thinking more of nice things to have that will make him feel taken care of

[Wiredone]

Juice boxes have high sugar, which they should avoid. You can put unsweetened tea, water, sparkling water and maybe some fruits and nuts

[Smashingdoozy]

High sugar is good for lows !

[Wiredone]

Yes it is but you don't want him to over indulge on the high sugar. Maybe keep them in your fridge

[debtfree_oneyear]

Your friend in your profile photo... is she single?

[Smashingdoozy]

No 💕

[debtfree_oneyear]

That's too bad

[Smashingdoozy]

Jk she is but you'll likely not change that. She's a stubborn one 😂

[debtfree_oneyear]

I'm willing to try

[Nik1hil]

You do know, that is the most interesting part, the Stubborn one that , rejects over and over again.. rejection can be Fun, as long as she lets the man try!..

[Smashingdoozy]

@Nik1hil I don't think she finds it fun she just is too afraid to take the leap

[Nik1hil]

😔I can Understand ✅ 😔Same here...
I ain't scared of rejection, I am Scared of What if she says "Yes". What then!..