Response from: David    (05/31/07 3:11pm)

Before being diagnosed as Type II diabetic I was aware of being short tempered and easily roused. My tolerance of other lessened and I was concerned at this emotion change in myself. I was until very placid and even tempered, although always emotionally led.
I did not have the typical symptoms of daibetes but when having my cholesterol check it was noted I had a high fasting blood sugar last year (6.7) this year it was 12 (7 is used for diagnostic purposes in the UK for fasting blood)
Since starting on Metformin and changing my diet I feel much more in control of my mood and temper.
I found the short article interesting as I came from the opposit direction. I had the mood and temper variation a year before the diagnosis.
I am aware of a collegue who has been type I diabetic for years and there is also "evidence" of mood changes with him when he is low blood sugared. The cry of "give jock a mars bar he is crabbit" often goes out. (trans from scots. Give Jock a high glucose chocolate bar he is ill tempered.)
Hope this is of interest. Perhaps it need researched more as some domestic agression etc could be due to blood sugar levels, esp. in overweight males of a certain age. The alochol effect in agressive older males may be more to do with blood sugar than simply the effect of alcohol and giving glucose may regulate their mood quicker than waiting for sobriety.

Response from: David    (05/31/07 3:13pm)

Before being diagnosed as Type II diabetic I was aware of being short tempered and easily roused. My tolerance of other lessened and I was concerned at this emotion change in myself. I was until then very placid and even tempered, although always emotionally led.
I did not have the typical symptoms of daibetes but when having my cholesterol check it was noted I had a high fasting blood sugar last year (6.7) this year it was 12 (7 is used for diagnostic purposes in the UK for fasting blood)
Since starting on Metformin and changing my diet I feel much more in control of my mood and temper.
I found the short article interesting as I came from the opposit direction. I had the mood and temper variation a year before the diagnosis.
I am aware of a collegue who has been type I diabetic for years and there is also "evidence" of mood changes with him when he is low blood sugared. The cry of "give jock a mars bar he is crabbit" often goes out. (trans from scots. Give Jock a high glucose chocolate bar he is ill tempered.)
Hope this is of interest. Perhaps it need researched more as some domestic agression etc could be due to blood sugar levels, esp. in overweight males of a certain age. The alcohol effect in agressive older males may be more to do with blood sugar than simply the effect of alcohol and giving glucose may regulate their mood quicker than waiting for sobriety.

Response from: David    (05/31/07 3:19pm)

Apologies if this is posted twice I ammended a comment after first posting.

Before being diagnosed as Type II diabetic I was aware of being short tempered and easily roused. My tolerance of other lessened and I was concerned at this emotion change in myself. I was until then very placid and even tempered, although always emotionally led.
I did not have the typical symptoms of daibetes but when having my cholesterol check it was noted I had a high fasting blood sugar last year (6.7) this year it was 12 (7 is used for diagnostic purposes in the UK for fasting blood)
Since starting on Metformin and changing my diet I feel much more in control of my mood and temper.
I found the short article interesting as I came from the opposit direction. I had the mood and temper variation a year before the diagnosis.
I am aware of a collegue who has been type I diabetic for years and there is also "evidence" of mood changes with him when he is low blood sugared. The cry of "give jock a mars bar he is crabbit" often goes out. (trans from scots. Give Jock a high glucose chocolate bar he is ill tempered.)

Hope this is of interest. Perhaps it needs researched more as some domestic agression, work place anger, sudden poor decison making etc could be due to blood sugar levels, esp. in overweight males of a certain age.

The alcohol effect in agressive older males may be more to do with blood sugar than simply the effect of alcohol and giving glucose may regulate their mood quicker than waiting for sobriety if low blood sugar is found, medical intervention may help if hypergycemia is found.

Response from: sheri    (10/08/07 2:17pm)

My husband has type 2 diabetes. He is a good man, yet the fluctuations in his blood sugar levels coincide with agressive and moody behaviors that often border abuse. He doesn't appear to comprehend that his moods and behaviors are affected by his blood sugar, and this is a cause for disharmony in our marriage.

Response from: Stacey    (10/16/07 2:24pm)

My husband too as Type 2 diabetes. Sheri, thank you for your post as I have never known anyone else was dealing with what the borderline (and sometimes not so borderline) verbal abuse. His diabetes combined with his COPD and chronic back pain has almost done me in.

Response from: Stacey    (10/16/07 2:24pm)

My husband too has Type 2 diabetes. Sheri, thank you for your post as I have never known anyone else was dealing with the borderline (and sometimes not so borderline) verbal abuse. His diabetes combined with his COPD and chronic back pain has almost done me in.

Response from: Lane    (02/26/08 8:17pm)

I was diagnosed with diabetes about 2 years ago and went on insulin injections about a year ago. I have had mood swings for years, but never attributed it to diabetes - mainly since I wasn't diagnosed. I thought that my mood swings had eased since going on insulin --until today-- my wife told me that she's been thinking of leaving me for weeks, because of my unpredictable moods. I'm at a loss! I can't fathom life without my family! Any diabetic men reading this -- take a close look at your actions. Before it's too late!

Response from: Grace    (03/23/08 4:58am)

My father has type 2 diabetes. Recently he has become increasingly moody and aggressive towards my mum (as with Stacey, bordering on abuse, certainly verbal), particularly in the evenings. We suspect it has something to do with his diabetes but when we went to the doctor they said his levels weren't too bad. He doesn't acknowledge that anything is wrong and it is breaking my mum's heart and very difficult to know how to respond. He is trying to shut down her lines of communication ... i.e. with friends and family and has become overly jealous and paranoid. What can we as a family do if they won't help themselves, or acknowledge there is a problem?

Response from: Dave    (03/24/08 12:12pm)

Been almost diagnosed with dabetes from a very abnormal glucose tolerance test. I have had food related mental disturbances for decades. It may have to do with the rate of change in blood sugar. Very low carbs control it for awhile. Ranges from paranoia to depression to anger and agitation. Its a constant stuggle and even after years i'm amazed at how quickly 'the switch' can be thrown that destabalizes my outlook. Whether the world is cheery or gloomy can be altered with a few bites of a bagel and a glass of soda.

Response from: Lesia    (05/12/08 12:48am)

THANK YOU. After reading Sheri, Stacy, Lane et al...I'm not so crazy afterall. My husband has type 2 Diabetes with out of control sugars such as 250 to 400 plus day to day. He claims that is "normal " for him. He is under doc care but often eats whatever he wants and takes his meds when he wants. His mood swings are...yes, borderline verbally abusive
. Alcohol seems to make it worse. I don't know what to do. We've been married for 12 years. This is really hard on me. I'm 12 years younger and in very good shape. He doesn't even see it. Is this normal?

Response from: Mark    (08/10/08 4:47pm)

I found out in Dec.07 that I am Type 1, and have been taking injections since.As Lane says though, I've always been a little moody, but never had any reason to think it had anything to with being diabetic. As of late though, it has begun to affect not only my home life, but work as well. Home life is a little easier, mainly because my wife is a nurse in the dialysis unit at the hospital.Work however, is a different story. Lately I have found myself lashing out at co-workers for very little or no reason at all. I find myself to be highly irritable, even over little things. Most of the reading I have done suggests diet and moreover exercise are key ways to deal with my mood swings. If anyone has any more ideas, I would love to hear back. I also find that open and honest communication with your spouse is very helpful.

Response from: sara    (09/10/08 12:00pm)

I too have a husband with type 2 diabetes, and who has recently had terrible mood swings, from depression to abusive. What can be done about this, are there medications, diets that can help

Response from: Carol    (09/22/08 9:05am)

THANK YOU SO MUCH!. This has been an eye opener. My husband has type 2 Diabetes. He experiences outrages nearly aggressive mood swings, I love him very much, but I am to the point of going it alone. He spontanously verbally abuses me and our children. At times I am frighten, that he is going to take a swing at one of us. I think he feels he has every right “normal” to take out his spontaneous emotional outburst against us. This is causing disharmony in our marriage.

Response from: Ben    (09/24/08 6:06am)

I am an easy going kind person. I was diagnosed with type 2 a couple of years ago. At times I have fits of rage that are very unlike me, at times at night while sleeping causing murderous dreams, causing lack of sleep. When it happens during the day of course I dont kill anyone, and usually I dont even realize it until someone mentions that I am grumpy or something. I have well controlled blood sugars, but still have this phenomena. So I am researching it.

Response from: tom    (11/08/08 3:02pm)

just found out that i am diabetec in sept. and suddenly experiencing same symptoms of mood swings the rest of you are describing...especially becoming irritated with co-workers so quickly. Sometimes even realizing what is happening, but cant' seem to curtail anger. i have NEVER been like this before, and am totally aware that this behavior is not acceptable. When diagnosed, my level was over 400, now the quick temper comes when it drops below 80 or so, which seems to happen mostly in the mornings. Taking glyceride, meticulously watching diet, but still happening. Sorry it's happening to all of you too, but also glad to know that it's a true symptom, and not just me being a bad person.

Response from: Susan    (11/13/08 10:23am)

I am relieved to hear that others are experiencing the same type or abuse from a diabetic husband that I have endured for quite a number of years now. He can be totally sweet, very complimentary to me and then other times a tyrant. I feel like I am walking on eggshells much of the time because I never know what innocent comment I make will trigger his abusive outbursts. I really have shut down a lot and try to make as little conversation as possible because of this. I have developed a hostility toward him that I keep within myself and do not discuss it with anyone. I do not want people to see him in a bad light. My feelings have been hurt so many times by him and I cry a lot when I am alone. It is really hard to live with and has really damaged my self esteem.

Response from: Violet    (11/28/08 11:07pm)

I feel just like Susan Someone ploease tell me what to do. I feel it is all my fault. I am blamed for everything.

Response from: kzykat    (11/30/08 10:17am)

I too live with a Type 1 Diabetic, my 55 yr. old brother. His mood swings are so severe I now sleep with pepper spray under my pillow. He ruined our family Thanksgiving. Says he harbors grudges that go back years and aren't even valid. His blood sugar is uncontrolable, is depressed and angry at the world. Dr. wanted him to get the insulin pump but he said he refuses to count carbs. Is this required?

Response from: Lewis    (01/04/09 9:43pm)

I started having mood swings since the early 1980s, but was not diagnosed until 2003, over 20 years later. I was also very laidback and easy going, but I have always struggled with fatigue - I can sleep for hours and hours. But the other symptons started around 1984 and my mood swings were so out of character. Yet because I was very thin, no one expected that I has diabetes. I have hurt people over the years, one in particular who is the love of my life. I have also spent years by myself, believing I didn't have what it took to be in relationships. If you are thinking of leaving your man, please realize what he is goin through. But don't stay if he doesn't change his lifestyle. he has to meet you halfway.

Response from: ann    (01/24/09 7:28pm)

My brother-in-law has type 2 diabetes he is also a very heavy beer drinker with terrible mood swings. He married his high school sweetheart last year after being together for 16 years, they split up a month later. He has now moved 100's of miles away from her and spends his days drinking and playing, money in the bank so no job needed as of yet. I am so worried about him and fear for his health (life). His family thinks he will be fine so they say nothing to him, in fact when he visits us my husband, his brother gets drunk with him 30-40 beers easy in a night. What can I do to help bro-in-law? How do I make my husband see that he's helping to kill his own brother? Please someone help me help them. Thanks to all who take the time to read and reply. Ann

Response from: Lynn    (01/27/09 5:44am)

My husband has diabetes and I'm finding it very hard to live with him. He has terrible mood swings, but he doesn't think so. We are constantly yelling. He doesn't take care of himself so I know his blood sugar is not regulated. My stress level is through the roof. I feel its not fair to the kids, but I made a commitment for sickness and in health. For you other ladies out there I'm going to look into some classes at our local hospital on diabetes, maybe you could do the same. They may have some suggestions. I know I was ready to leave last night, but that's not going to solve anything.

Response from: Beatrice    (02/11/09 2:19pm)

My husband was diagnosed with type 2 two years ago. He was off meds for almost a year. He just got back on them two months ago, drinks a bottle of wine, at least, per day, and does not eat right at all. We have been married for 26 years, with 3 boys all grown now, thank God. I just had to get a restraining order for a man whose entire outlook on life has changed. He does not acknowledge his mood swings nor his aggressive, threatening behavior. He was always emotional, but not this. I am to blame for all of the problems in his life, he has refused to work, or look for work for 2 years, and is depressed. I am saddened. Any advice?

Response from: Fay    (02/11/09 2:43pm)

Husband of almost 26 years daignosed 2 years ago with type 2. Was off meds for one year, two months started Metforom. Mood swings are daily, he also drinks at least a bottle of wine per day, eats fried foods and cookies constantly. We have three boys who are grown. His mood swings have become abusive, threatening, and violent, breaking things in the house. He blames every one else for everything. I was forced to get a restraining order to protect myself, yesterday. I thought to check out some sites, and imagine my shock to see that this is normal, of sorts. I am so sad. I do not know what else to do. Any advice? He will not acknowlege there is a problem, will not get counseling, it is us. I was thinking that he was bi polar. I am at a loss.

Response from: Fay    (02/11/09 3:25pm)

sorry for the duplicate posting, beatrice and fay same post, sorry

Response from: rj    (02/12/09 7:59am)

i don't know if someone else responded with this comment but my husband had problems with mood and was severly depressed. it turns out his testosterine level was dangeriously low. they had him on depression medicine and everything before it was finely figured out. please have your husbands get tested.

Response from: Maria    (02/14/09 1:30pm)

My husband is a type 11 diabetic. He gets very moody and picky over the slightest of things. He uses artificial sweetner in his tea and on cereals but likes the very occassional glass of red wine. He doesn't smoke. I really need help in coping with his mood swings because I am sufferring from depression as a result.

Response from: Holly    (02/27/09 1:33pm)

Wow...I now feel I am not the crazy one. My "significant other" and I have been togehter 13 years now. He found out about his Type 2 when it was almost to late. He drove tow trucks for years drinking "stay awake" drinks and one night his numbers hit 650. The doctors couldn;t understand how he walked in tto the emergency room compaining of blurry vision.
He has always been moody, I just chalked it up to "typical man" but since we have found out more about the illness I have come to understand the mood swings. It is almost perdictable. He is very verably abusive and thinks that everyone is out to get him. he can't accept that he is still the same man, not a weaker one. He is an ironworker and believe me that makes it alot worse. We have four children together and as the kids have grown they have come to accept his mood swings but it is at a point that I am thinking of leaving instead of listening to it all the time. He also eats as he wishes and takes the meds as he feels (pretty much when he can't stand the way he feels anymore) His new theory on life is you have to die of something. I wish there was a way for him to understand that it is okay that he is sick and that he can control it and get better before it is too late and he loses his family and freinds. If there is anyone that can suggest anything I would have an open ear. We all love him and hate to see something that could be change risk his life.

Response from: desertdolly    (03/23/09 2:54am)

My husband also has outbursts where his complaints are irrational. He acts angry and glares at me as if he hates me. Most of the time he is the most romantic of men, telling me he loves me and being tender. But then he turns into this Jekyl & Hyde character. It affects my health and I feel the stress could lead me to disease.

Response from: Debby    (03/23/09 3:14am)

You have provided a great service in printing these responses. I don't know what will solve the problem with my husband's unpredictable and irrational outbursts but at least I know I am not alone. I hope I can learn to cope and not lose my own health.

Response from: Marriage Therapy    (04/08/09 1:14pm)

So many relationships end without proper closure - or a chance at marriage therapy. This might just be the reason behind many unexplained breakups and heartache.

Thanks for the interesting piece.

http://www.moonviewsanctuary.com/overcoming-personal-crisis/crisis-tre
atment.html

Response from: Veronica    (04/15/09 7:31pm)

Your not alone, and I'm not really sure any of us are doing the right thing- of course we all think about leaving, but most of us have children and so much invested- I have a constant fear, if I leave, he will die. My husband is a type one diabetic, diagnosed at 6. We have two beautiful girls, both brave and understanding to all of the situations that we have come across in this daily adventure of living with a diabetic. From kidney failure at the age of 24 to a low blood sugar reaction in the car alone with both the children resulting in a 6 car crash hurting them all and killing another person; we all struggle with this disease. Its enough to have to be the caregiver; and we naturally are, but to be insulted or taken advantage of on a regular basis just makes it unwarranted. I call it exhausting, for lack of a better word. I LOVE my husband, no doubt about that. We had a really bad weekend because he had a tooth ache which made his blood sugar levels sit really high (stress on the body) and we all got the blunt of it. Easter morning was a disaster, and that night was even worse- after he ripped his pump out of his leg and threw it across the room crying how he can't stand to be in constant pain; I too said, enough is enough. Two days later he can't understand why I am so quiet. . still in shock about the Sunday night "incident". The truth is, there are ways to deal with the pain, its a life choice- it's about dealing with what you've got- making changes for the better. We all have to do it, and so do they. Being diabetic is not enough of an excuse to mistreat or uproot your entire family. Without all the episodes, treating the emergencies is enough already. Keeping them slim to none is a goal, keeping the outrages slim to none is essential. In the end it's not our choice, it's theirs. I feel all of your pain for mine is so deep today. I hope to hear more about this soon.

Response from: Kimdae    (05/10/09 8:25am)

I have recently started dating someone with diabetes. I thought I was going crazy until I started doing research on the disease. It is amazing how his mood swings change so drastically. I can do nothing at all and he becomes angry and violent. He has been upfront from the beginning of our relationship about his illness, but I am unsure if he knows that his behavior can be triggered by his disease.

Response from: cj    (05/29/09 9:47pm)

Wow I cannot believe how much what i have read here is my life! My best friend and love of 12 years was just diagnosed with diabetes. I feel as if he resents me. A quick background: For many years I have been asking him to see a doctor, just for the everyday problems he had and also because that to me that just makes sense when you are nearing 50. (he has never in the 12 years I know him had blood work done until 4 days ago) As of 4 months ago I BEGGED him to see a doctor while I watched his weight disappear before my eyes. He also is a beer drinker and smoker. His mood swings were becoming just crazy. But not to others just in the privacy when we were alone. Sometimes we would be out and it would begin the moment we got into our car alone, other times it would wait until we got home. Well these last months it intensified and during that time is when I also began to notice the weight loss and other classic symptoms of diabetes (now, you must realize - I still didn't get the connection of the mood swings) I begged him to see a doctor which he refused, because I know deep down inside he thought he had cancer and would be told he had a few months to live _ which he had since voiced to others. So now we are to the present. Finally his employer pretty much told him to see a doctor and referred him to his. I called for the appt, and was told there was a 2 week wait even after I adamantly repeated his symptoms the urgency for him to be seen and the person who referred him. This appt finally was on 5/26. I also asked him to see a different doctor to try to get in sooner since to me this is becoming an emergency. Now again I am still upset because I have been watching this weight loss and thirst and urination for many months. The doc says you are classic diabetic but lets get this blood work drawn up and go from there and we will also do full range of work for prostate, liver etc and a chest xray. We went together for him to have all of this done early Wed 5/27. Long story short: following his appt on Tues afternoon he began to gorge on anything and everything from beer to icecream to chocolate milk to tastycakes a couple of hurricanes and a few lemonades This is pretty much his usual but who would do that after the doc gave his diagnosis. His theory was - well let me have it now cos once my blood work comes back I won't be able to. I told him that he must not do this to himself and it became a battle to the finish. MY MISTAKE and I am so so sorry. The blood results came back Thursday afternoon and the doctor personally told him must go to the ER because his glucose after fasting was 389. He was all jolly and said can I have a glass of chocolate milk and shower first? Doctor said I can't believe you are walking around yet alone worked a full day of construction yes you may shower. When we arrived at the ER his sugar was 500 and by the time he was fully checked in it was 700! He will be in the hospital for a few days while levels are regulated. As of tonight is still hanging in upper 200's. He has learned to stick and monitor, and count carbs and adjust insulin for each meal and of course give himself insulin. All of this from a man who didn't want to got to a doctor for routine visits the entire 12 years we have been together. And on top of it all he is Mr Smiles for everyone in the hospital and who visit except for me. Go figure. Well I always was the one he blew up on. He tells his friends I am his anchor and then goes on to say she is a bit tired, this has been a strain on her. Never telling them the strain is he can't look me in the eyes without his turning cold. Please tell me why. My son's theory is because he is angry with himself and just can't bring himself to tell me that he wished he had listened to me. I am watching him turn his wonderful smile on every doctor and nurse and visitor and I am so alone. (I am not a jealous person, this charm is what attracted me to him years ago) of course my friends are understanding, but I am so so hurt. I am so relieved he is getting healthy, I just want him to say THANK you and I am SORRY I didn't go sooner.
I feel like my heart has been broken 100's of times these past months. I love him so very much and wish so much it didn't have to go this far before he got help. And I am so very fearful for what it will be like when he comes home and there is no more extra special attention which he is soaking up now and we will be adjusting to this new lifestyle together. I know I sound terrible, but I am a realist who has had several surgeries, one minor one as recent as mid May and also has had 2 wonderful sons via C section and all those other "goodies" that are part of being a woman and loving mom and partner who wants to be there for her loved ones. This man who I love dearly has made me feel so low for trying to help him. God knows I did not want this to happen to this man I love. and why is he being mean to me while being the comic for everyone else? Of course I do known the answer - But please tell me what can I do to swallow my hurt and anger and be the best partner I can to him. I am open to hear any advice and criticism. Thank You to anyone who actually read through my tirade. PS Also he is on small dose of Librium since he did admit to quite a few beers/day. I hope in a few weeks I will be able to write and offer advice to help someone who feels as low as I do right now.

Response from: janina    (06/10/09 7:20pm)

Living with Type 1 diabetes is horrible. It has effected my entire
family. The outburst my husband has is
scary. He is a totally different man.
He becomes irate. I know he doesn't mean it, but, it becomes very difficult to handle. We all end up suffering.