I joined a few days ago. I'm a 59yo type 1 diagnosed when I was 35. I live in the mountains of Colorado where I work for a hospital as a LIcensed Professional Counselor and teach part time in the ski school for Vail Resorts. I've been married for 12 years and have a 7yo son. In the last few years I've had several episodes where I lost conciousness or awareness of my surroundings subsquent to low bs. In one episode I was combative, not asaulting anyone but resistant to receiving help from my wife. My wife and son have found these episodes alarming. My son is fearful of being at home alone with me. My wife is a physician and quite aware of type 1 and the associated struggles but she is at a loss on how to manage her anxiety related to my low episodes. I'm doing my best to not have low episodes and have had only one in the last 3 months. Any ideas on how to help a family member manage their fear?
First - welcome Don! We are so glad you could join us! I lived in Fort Collins for a long time before moving to Seattle. I just love Colorado! I am sorry to hear you are struggling with lows. I'm not sure if you are an animal person - but I met a group out here in Seattle that have dogs that detect low blood sugar before it gets dangerous. It seems to be working really well for this family. Just a thought. :)
Small world... I grew up in Ft. Collins, went to college in Durango and later lived in Denver. I also have a 7 year old son.
Anyone who uses insulin is going to have lows sometimes. Agree to do whatever your wife asks to give them peace of mind.
I'm the diabetic and my husband and I struggled with my lows. We finally agreed I'd test anytime he asked me to. It helped him feel like he had some control and then he never had to argue with me when my brain stopped working from low blood sugar. We also keep a tube of cake frosting in the fridge, in case I pass out he can squeeze it between my cheek and gum. That helps him feel like he wouldn't be powerless if a bad low hit.
I test before I drive and often when I'm alone with my son for extended periods of time. Gives my husband and I both peace of mind.
I've used an insulin pump for the last 10 years and rarely have lows anymore. Because my blood sugars are more regulated I also can sense the lows again. After about 25 years with diabetes I developed hypoglycemia unawareness. Since you might be dealing with that too, you need to test more often and may have a higher target blood sugar (e.g. aim for 120 instead of 90, so you have a cushion). You also sound like a great candidate for a Continuous Glucose Monitor. Have to admit I'm not a huge fan of them, but it might be something to consider.
I'm afraid I don't have any great insights for you, but I wanted to welcome you to the site and wish you luck with finding the answers you're looking for. Good luck. We're happy to have you here :)