Hubby has developed diabetes, discovered at his checkup today. He's going for further tests and diet

[CTyankee]

The funny thing is we no longer drink wine with dinner or anytime, we eat lots of vegetables and fruits and do not eat fatty meats, fish and chicken, not with heavy sauces.

He's 81, overweight and should get into PT. I am doing my part by going to PT for my back arthritis. I encourage him to go too but he says he's not "ready". Now he might be ready, I sure hope!

He has had 2 surgeries for spinal stenosis and uses a walker.

This diagnosis might be a good thing in that it will underscore what I have been telling him about how beneficial PT can be for him.

I do all I can in this situation. I can only hope this diagnosis will convince him to start moving around more, get back in PT, or use our stationary bike.

[Emile]

1. Dick VanDyke says the key is to keep moving!

[CTyankee]

2. I agree! Maybe NOW he will go to PT with me!

[WhiteTara]

3. water aerobics might be his answer

my beloved finds that tolerable.

[CTyankee]

4. We have a JCC near us (my hubby is Jewish). I'm going to check that out. Thanks, I hadn't thought

of that!

[Emile]

6. I did that at the YWCA after back surgery!

Great suggestion!

[Patterson]

5. Tip: Don't go by the ADA (American Diabetes Association) diet recommendations.

They allow or suggest way too many carbs.

[Skittles]

12. carbs are not the enemy

overeating is

[Tetrachloride]

7. Find the safe exercises that work for him.

A walking swimming pool waist high or chest high.

Consult more than 1 physical therapist.

Stop all cheese, sugar,
ketchup (corn syrup), beef, pork.

(you probably did some of this. i am typing while my
adrenaline holds out)

Take an ibuprofen immediately after exercises, especially the first day

[Demovictory9]

8. I started PT at home..video while wearing leg sensor

[CTyankee]

9. He can get on the stationary bike while watching TV.

Interestingly, I have to be careful on the bike. My knees are getting a real workout going up and down the stairs in my house. It helps with the arthritis in my knee joint but overdoing it only sets me back.

[femmedem]

10. A different perspective on cheese and diabetics from what was posted earlier:

risks and benefits:

"Can people with diabetes eat cheese? The answer in many cases is yes. This delicious, calcium-rich food contains many nutritional properties that make it a healthy part of a balanced diet.

Of course, there are some precautions to keep in mind. Read on to find out what people with diabetes need to know about eating cheese."


Full article: https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/cheese#risks

And of course, ask his doctor.

[MOMFUDSKI]

11. Being diagnosed at 81 isn't the end of the world.

He can learn about carbs and just cut back on those foods. Fruits are high in carbs, especially tropical fruits, so northern fruits are a bettter choice (apples, pears, plums instead of pineapple, bananas). Rice and pasta are super high in carbs. He may be given a metformin pill which will help. He will learn his A1C is the number he should care about. That is a 90-day blood sugar average and tells the whole story. Have him space out his food intake over the course of the day and not eat a HUGE carbo load at one sitting. Exercise is good for everyone, of course. He may be given a glucose meter/test strips to check his sugar which will help him learn what makes it go too high and how he is doing overall. He can have a visit with a Diabetes Educator which is extremely helpful. Best wishes to him.

[Emile]

14. Excellent advice!

[Totally Tunsie]

13. Sorry to hear of his diagnosis. Hope he is able to manage it easily.