My MIL has put on a significant amount of weight in the 18 months that she has been in a care home. She is now well over 100kg with a BMI somewhere in the mid-30s. The doctor has visited to take bloods, at the request of the care home.
When I discussed this with the manager, she said that they have observed MIL at mealtimes, and she certainly doesn't appear to be over-eating. However, I have seen that MIL is being given sweet snacks between meals. Most of the residents there seem to me to be underweight, so I guess this is not a common problem for the home.
Just out of curiosity - I hope this doesn't sound too gross - I taste-tested her urine today. (We bring her to our home for brief visit from time to time; whilst here she uses a commode.) It was incredibly sweet tasting! It made me wonder, has she got diabetes? Could the weight gain be a cause, or an effect? I have written to her GP to raise a concern about it. (Her GP won't discuss her situation with me, but he will take account of information passed on. I had to write an old-fashioned letter, as they won't accept e-mail.)
I wonder if anyone else has had experience of their LO developing diabetes whilst in a home - assuming that is what is happening? How is the condition managed in a care home environment? Any advice would be very welcome. Thank you.
When I discussed this with the manager, she said that they have observed MIL at mealtimes, and she certainly doesn't appear to be over-eating. However, I have seen that MIL is being given sweet snacks between meals. Most of the residents there seem to me to be underweight, so I guess this is not a common problem for the home.
Just out of curiosity - I hope this doesn't sound too gross - I taste-tested her urine today. (We bring her to our home for brief visit from time to time; whilst here she uses a commode.) It was incredibly sweet tasting! It made me wonder, has she got diabetes? Could the weight gain be a cause, or an effect? I have written to her GP to raise a concern about it. (Her GP won't discuss her situation with me, but he will take account of information passed on. I had to write an old-fashioned letter, as they won't accept e-mail.)
I wonder if anyone else has had experience of their LO developing diabetes whilst in a home - assuming that is what is happening? How is the condition managed in a care home environment? Any advice would be very welcome. Thank you.