Can the above cause any memory problems?  Is there anything that can be done to help it.  Unfortunately the person in question won't go to the doctor.  Any advise wd. be greatly appreciated as this is a very worrying time at the moment!!

Hi, :)
yes, diabetes can affect the memory. Sugar is the main fuel source of the brain and in diabetes it isn't metabolised properly. Also high blood sugar can harm the blood vessels supplying the organs, including the brain. Diabetes can cause all sorts of other problems too if uncontrolled so treatment is vital. Could you pick up some info, leaflets etc from the doctor and give them to the person. If they know what's involved it might persuade them to seek help.

My husband is diabetic so I know how worried you must be. I hope you get it sorted.

Kath xx

Thanks Kath

It is actually my dad that I'm quite worried about.   he's been insulin dependant now for about 10 years, I think, time goes by so quickly.  He seems to have been suffering with short, short term memory loss and last night it was awful to sit there and watch him, he was really bad last night.  This morning he's back to his normal self again and he did say that he should of checked how low his insulin was before injecting himself as he had been decorating during the day.  It's just that it seems to of been quite bad recently and of course you think of other things too.

My dad has short term memory problems as well, due soley to old age.   He is not senile.  He knows his memory is very bad and often jokes about it.  

Stacey

Yes, that's worrying. Do you think his memory is affected because he isn't getting his insulin balance right or is it failing in any case? My hubby in non-insulin dependant (diet and tablets) so I'm no expert on injecting. There could, of course, be other factors involved besides diabetes.  I think I'd be inclined to have a word with his doctor if at all possible, to explain your concerns. His medical team are familiar with your Dads health level and medication. I know it's hard to take over responsibility for someone elses health but if his mind is playing tricks it might be wise to.

Kath.

My Hubby started getting forgetful around May (he's 34) and then caught a cold. When I dragged him bodily to the doctors, the doc sent him straight to hospital. He was far too high in sugar but had not realised  (and I hadn't checked to make sure he was checking levels) and was suffering from Ketoacidosis (sp?). The hospital told me that one sure way of detecting it was that he had a smell of peardrops about him!
I often make an agreement with him to check his blood four times a day for a week - it's a good indication of whether things are going okay. If he won't go, you can take the week's results to the diabetic clinic and ask them to look at them - if they're concerned, they'll send him an appointment through - and he doesn't have to know it came from you :)  (I hope my Hubby doesn't read this!!!!)

It may be other things, but he was really bad yesterday and that was definitely due to his sugar levels.  I don't think that my dad comes on here, hopefully :d  Still if he does, he knows that I love him and only care about him !!

I work at the hospital any way, which is quite lucky and know the person who runs the Diabetic Centre well, so I think I'll be having a quick word with her on Monday. 

In my experience, the diabetic clinics don't mind fmily members "sticking their oar in" if they're worried! They're fully aware of how stubborn some diabetics can be and they'd rather catch a problem early. Good luck on Monday :)

I've been diabetic for 32 years, insulin dependant, the only time my memory is messed up is when my blood sugars are low, you get in to a very confused state, it's the most dreadful feeling too you know exactly what you want to say but just can't say it.

All I can say is please get him to see somebody at the centre, I know easier said than done, when I was in my teens I was the most moody child on earth due to my diabetes being unsteady, my poor mum!! there are all sorts of complications if diabetes is out of control.

I hope things improve soon.

Hiya
My dads a diabetic.. has been now for around 10 years after having his pancrius (sp?) removed. So therefore he's on insulin injections a fair few times a day and night!
Around August we all noticed him sleeping more... forgetting everything... feeling sick and genrally unwell.
My dad had a routine blood test at the doctors and was told to call back in a week for the results... that day his doc phoned saying he needed to see him asap
I was imaging allsorts! (im sure you can imagine)
He returned to the dr who basically said he had to much protien in his blood etc
Before he had chance to go to hospital for more test he was rushed to hospital for something unrelated.
My dad was diagnosed with something that makes your thyroids make to much protein.
He had his thyroids taken away just 2 weeks before he walked me down the isle.
Guess what my dad is now fit as a fiddle (well compared)
One of the things he was tested for is kera (something.. its been mentioned in an earlier post) I know this can cause memory loss also... i also know its dangerous if left.
I hope that you get him sorted quick.. I wish you both luck
Donna and charliex