My husband has been diagnosed with diabetes for about 11 years. He's on three insulin shots a day plus several medications. He will not exercise, and he eats anything he wants. I try to cook healthy meals for him and don't bring any sweets into the house. But when we got out to eat, go to friends' houses, or go to a church social, he eats all kinds of sweets, knowing that he shouldn't and that they are damaging his body. I don't want to nag about his eating habits, so is there anything I can do to help him in a constructive way? He's already showing signs of the diabetes effecting his feet, skin, etc. I'm really concerned about what it is doing to his internal organs that he doesn't know about yet.

Thank you very much for your question. I appreciate the problem you are facing, and know that this is not an uncommon issue for diabetic patients.

I wonder if you have had a chance to discuss your concerns at a visit with your husband and his primary care physician? Often, this type of meeting can be very informatative and can serve to motivate change. I have found that involving the spouses of my diabetic patients in their plan of care has been extremely helpful in attaining good diabetic control and preventing complications.

Another resource for you would be the local chapter of the American Diabetes Association. They can send you information that you can share with your husband. Also, they may have counselors available that can help you in getting your husband the assistance that he needs. The ADA information can often serve as a springboard to open communication about your concerns with your husband and motivate a visit for both of you to his primary care physician to discuss his plan of care.

I wish you good luck in your fine efforts to assist your husband. Thanks again.

Dr. Bruce Biller

-- Dr. Bruce Biller is an internist with subspecialty training in endocrinology and a special interest in diabetes. He is director of the Harvard Business School Health Services and physician to the Harvard University Health Services.

First published August 25, 2004
Last updated July 22, 2008
Copyright © 2004 Consumer Health Interactive