Diabetes and depression?

[rachel70]

My partner is 37. He was diagnosed as Type 1 diabetic when he was 30. He injects insulin 3-4 times a day. He also takes other medication including Valium, Loratadine and thyroxine. He has high cholesterol, drinks regularly and smokes heavily.
He has lots of debt (approx 20k) due to his inability to work when his diabetes first began. He was unfairly dismissed from a job 3 years ago and this had affected him badly. He has kept all the paperwork relating to this and becomes agitated when talking about it. He told me he was suicidal.
Recently a doctor said that his diabetes may have been caused by his poor lifestyle during his 20's. This seems to have affected him badly and sent him into a downward spiral. I have researched this as I have little knowledge and can find no substance to this comment but cannot make him hear my attempts to reassure him.
We have been together a year and now live together. I worry about his mental state and what it is doing to me.
His moods change from euphoric to black and he can get verbally agrressive and defensive for the slightest thing. I know his diabetes affects this but there is so much more.
I wonder if he is bi-polar? I want to talk to someone professional and in confidence but I am scared.

[Ethel]

You are living with a volatile and unstable man but you are frightened of talking to a professional.

His GP is the first port of call.

Alcohol abuse will cause terrific mood swings - and he really should not be drinking more than the odd glass because of the high sugar content in ALL alcohol.

It is entirely possible that his lifestyle caused the diabetes, but it is not worth dwelling on. It is done and over with.

What is important is that his lifestyle today can make things much better - it is up to him.

I don't know what you are getting out of this relationship - but the only person who can really help him is himself. You can support him to a degree but it will be very tough for both of you.

Quite frankly I would run a mile. Not because of the diabetes - many diabetics live perfectly 'normal' and productive lifestyles. But because of the alcohol abuse. He clearly doesn't care about himself.

[rachel70]

Thanks for that - i think i need someone to help me see the wood from the trees. I have called and left a message with Relate

[Ethel]

Excellent start. I wish you well.