Ok, I want to talk about a friend of mine. She is 31 years old and has a slight learning disability. She lives in a group home where another friend of mine works. A few years ago she was diagnosed with Diabetes. What I find weird is that her blood sugar levels hardly ever go over 150. She does not take any medication or insulin. But at the group home, they put her on an outrageously strict schedule. In fact, they treat her like a 6 year old child and I know it is because of the disability! It hurts me to see her as an adult being treated this way.

She has a strict time as to when she can eat meals, how much she is allowed to eat and what she can eat at each meal. Her snacks are scheduled too. Today, someone had to choose the cookie she could eat for her 1:00 snack. I cannot imagine how controlled she must feel. I understand that she has to manage it in some way, but for it to be so strict and scheduled is causing her so much emotional pain.

I work at the day center where she goes Monday through Friday. I know that if I want to, I can take her on a private outing. I would love to break the rules for that moment and allow her to make more of her own decisions. I'd have to make sure she doesn't tell on me though lol.

So, what do you think about this strict schedule. First of all, her Diabetes is hardly existant. I strongly believe it's causing her more harm than good! I know she is very heavy. But the strange part is that her strict eating schedule would cause any normal person to lose weight. But she remains very heavy.

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Consider: Ametures built the ark, Professionals built the Titanic!

I'm not an expert on diabetes, but I think they're just 'covering' themselves when it comes to scheduling her diet. It's possible that she can't handle the responsibility of making the best choices for her own health, and labeling the restrictions as causing her 'emotional pain' may just be the opinions of others, and such feelings can only promote a negative effect regarding her attitude too.

If she is heavy, and is known to be diabetic, then I can't see how this is doing her more harm than good. If I were her friend, instead of dwelling on the negatives regarding the foods she can or can't eat, I'd support her in not only eating healthier 'voluntarily', but also join her in some exercise, even if just walking. The fact that she remains heavy shows that she needs assistance to move forward to achieve a healthier and happier life.

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"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." ~Immanual Kant~

NatMedTalk and Beyond

How would you like to live under the control of others...constantly? I know it would drive me nuts! I know it drives her nuts too. I can't always accept everything people tell me to do because I have my own opinions too. When a doctor tells you to do something, you have a choice. This girl has no choice. I know she is somewhat capable of making her own decisions. She often tells me that she can't eat what I am eating because of her Diabetes and no one has to tell her. It's just that they aren't allowing her to develop the skills of making her own decisions. This is something she needs. What meaning is there to life if everyone makes decisions for you? You're like a robot.

I'm not saying she souldn't be encouraged...but her life should not be run by others. I know she is disabled, but she isn't to the point where she needs constant care.

She takes walks just about every day and she really does eat "healthy" because of the eating schedule. This is why I think there is something else wrong with her.

I wouldn't like to live under the control of others at all, but if I was placed in a home for whatever reasons, I guess I'd have to make the best of it. If I couldn't live independently on my own, then I'd have to give some consideration to the guidance of others in charge of me.

I feel bad for her, and maybe the developing of her skills in self-care and decision making should be provided by family or friends, not the home. They probably have generic guidelines for everyone there, and don't get involved personally. I agree this may be something she needs, but they obviously aren't going to provide it.

If she's eating healthy because of her planned schedule, then it's a good thing, in part anyway. She may have some other medical problems as to why she's not losing any weight, I don't know, tests would have to determine that.

I really wish the best for her, but realistically, I think any positive expectations for her have to come from caring individuals, not the institution itself.

The reason that she is not loosing weight on this "healthy diet" is because she is diabetic and they are still feeding her poison for a diabetic.

They really need to get rid of all the carbs from bead and potatos and pasta, all sugar. Diabetes is fully controlable with diet and some alternative supplements but few people are willing to do what has to be done... some say that mms can cure some cases of diabetes.

I dont know how disabled she is, obviously enough to have to live in a home. Disabled people do not have rights in our society, especially so for the mentally disabled more than other groups. I don't think you will be able to do much about it. encourage her to express her feelings to her imprisoners... and just be her friend.

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I am an expert on Diabetes, and I will tell you what is going to happen to your friend.

Like Arrow says, they are still feeding her simple sugars which will spike her blood sugar levels. Since she is overweight, her cells are becomming insulin resistant, and within a few months to a year, they will get her on Metformin or some other prescription drug. This will lower her readings, but only short term, then will begin to rise again.

At some point, she will be given insulin injections, which again will help lower readings, but will also cause weight gain. The extra weight will cause more insulin resistance, which will lead to higher blood sugar readings, and it becomes a vicious circle, that will continue until she dies.

The only real solution is to put her on a phase one diet, which eliminates all sugars and grains, and lots of exercise, such as walking. It is necessary to eliminate all grains because even whole grains are contaminated with all kinds of fungus.

They are probably feeding her sugary drinks, which are not good since fungi uses sugars for fuel. She should be drinking pure water, not tap water, and chlorophyll from organic fruits and veggies.

One final note... cookies are mostly sugar, which again is something your friend should be avoiding.

Once the medical system has a hold of someone, the outlook is grim..

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Let Food Be Your Medicine And Medicine Be Your Food.(Hippocrates)

You are right about that! Sometimes I feel like I am the only person who really truly cares about her. Her mother never visits or calls her. I know she has some behavior problems, but if you learn to talk to her the right way, she responds much better.

pinball and arrow,

She really isn't allowed to eat many carbs at all. It was only that one time that I saw them allow her to eat a cookie and I think it was only because they were having a party that day. Other than that, they really limit the carbs and sugar.

Keep caring Kelly, you can make a positive difference in her life. Both of you will reap the rewards.