Q My mother in law keeps her blood sugar at 350, how long can she stay like this before problems start occurring? She wont listen and eat better or exercise. She weights 250+ and has diabetes... I dont know how to help her. That number just seems really high...
This is very admirable thing that you are concerned about her. But the most important way by which you can help her is by convincing her to follow the recommended diet and lifestyle to keep her blood sugar levels and weight in normal range. Only this can help to live her a quality life. If she still denies and will continue with the same, then there are high chances of developing complications due to uncontrolled diabetes. Out of which, ketoacidosis can be fatal or can make her lie in coma. Try to make her understand the risks which she will face. You can take help of anyone who can talk to her or you can ask her physician to make her understand. Her weight is chiefly responsible for raised blood sugar. At least she should maintain it in normal limits. For which, we are giving some general guidelines: You can ask her to take 5-6 small meals a day instead of 3 full meals. Have oil restricted diet, only 2-3 tbsp daily. Eliminate fast food or junk food from her diet. Control sugar and salt in diet. No fried food. She should not have sweetened drinks like sport drinks, carbonated drinks, milk or tea added with sugar etc. Rather can drink plenty of water. Brisk walk or any moderate physical exercise like cycling, swimming, running or jogging etc. for 30-40 mins daily should be mandatory part of her regime. She should eat fiber rich food, like whole grains, leafy vegetables, brown rice etc.