diabetic worries

[rach64]

I am writing as a concerned daughter. My Dad is 54 and has type 2 diabetes, he has had it for several years, my Dad has always been a large man but he has put more and more weight on, dosent eat well (as in fattening, sugary foods), in the past few weeks I haev noticed swelling to hands and legs especially his ankles, he has had to even remove wedding rings. He always seems to sleep at the nearest opportunity and his breathing is very heavy. I have tried to get him to see a doctor but he refuses and believes nothing is wrong! Am I over reacting or is this a complication he shuld see a doctor about?

[rach64]

Further to my recent query, yes my dad has type 2 diabetes. I was asking whether the swelling was a complication due to the diabetes?

[Anita Ramsetty, MD]

Hi,
Thank you for writing on behalf of your Dad.
I do not know if he has diabetes simply based on what you described but he certainly is at risk given his weight gain. Some of his symptoms may be due to sleep anpea, or a heart condition, so I agree he should be evaluated in the near future. Please do continue to encourage your Dad to see his doctor soon.

Take care.