Katherine and I have an ongoing battle over food. I want her to be more careful about what she eats because of her diabetes; she thinks she’s doing just fine.
I really don’t know much about diabetes. I’ve tried to educate myself in order to know what to do for her. There’s much to know and understand. I’m learning more every week.
Like many of us, getting enough fruits and vegetables is difficult for her. Especially as prices skyrocket, getting fresh is more and more expensive and time-consuming. The planning and preparation also makes it hard for a person with limited mobility.
I should probably be more proactive in Katherine’s meals. Too often, she’s just grabbing something easy – often unhealthy, but filling – to eat for breakfast and lunch. She usually prepares something simple for dinner, but it’s usually a protein and carbohydrate.
This is one of the many places where I struggle with my role as caregiver. I’m not her mother so can I really make her eat her veggies? She’s an intelligent adult, completely capable of making her own decisions. How much can I influence her diet?
When her blood sugar gets too low, what am I supposed to do? When it gets too high, how can I help?
I know others out there struggle with the food issue, too. Some of you may have patients who refuse to eat. Others may have patients who will only eat one or two different things and reject any variety. Still other caregivers are in the same boat I’m in.
Then there’s the quality of our own diets. Caregivers very often put themselves and their self-care last on the list. I’m quite guilty of eating cereal for breakfast and again for dinner many days!
I don’t want us to fight over food. I simply want her to eat well so she functions well and controls her diabetes better. I’d love to hear from you and know what has worked in your world!
As always, please feel free to get in touch with me at [email protected]. I look forward to getting to know you.
