Worried

[rayray0703]

My mother and my uncle have had Type 1 diabetes since they were very small around 10yrs i think. My uncle, 37, is completely blind from this and is currently on dialysis. My mom 40 is very brittle, she wears braces on her legs, she is rapidly losing her vision, her kidneys and her mobility. They are both also having alzehimer's symptoms. Is this common among T1 Diabetics?Are there currently any treatments besides insulin that they can try, even if it is outside of the US? I am willing to try anything. Also, I was wondering how long can they hold on after they get to this point. I dont think that my mom can make it through dialysis. Please help me with this, I dont want to see them suffer anymore they are so young. Thanks

[JDRF-Team-JSB]

rayray0707 - although I am not a medical professional I can offer some assistance.  When it comes to slowing down the effects of diabetes such as losing vision - kidney problems and mobility there are a few factors to look at.  How well are is her diabetes controlled?  Which medical professional or endocrinologist is she working with?  What is her insulin treatment right now?  How well is she taking care of herself?  When you look at these questions truthfully you might be able to find out how to assist with these problems.

[JDRF-Team-LRS]

I'm another volunteer here - also not a medical professional.  I agree with JSB that the answers to those questions will be very revealing.

It's tough to watch a loved one suffering and you are watching two.  One thing that all folks with diabetes must come to grips with is that there are things beyond our control and there are things we *can* control.  Sometimes, the frustration/fear over stuff we can't control can paralyze us from taking steps to control what we can... and yet to live a long & healthy life, that's exactly what we must do -- overcome the fear, and do what we can.

While we depend on our families to help us thru some tough times, the will to be healthy and to test and test and test and respond to our numbers with healthy behaviors -- all that must come from within us.  Folks with diabetes and others with chronic illnesses sometimes suffer from clinical depression also.  If your mom & uncle are already working closely with their endocrinologists and still struggling to take control of what they can, perhaps they would (separately) consider help to deal with the emotional aspects.  Since diabetes affects the whole family (as your Question illustrates), perhaps you can suggest family counseling with someone experienced in the issues related to chronic conditions.

Your mom/uncle are lucky to have you interested & concerned.  Almost every stage of complications can be stabilized if we have the will to do what it takes.