iCliniq Logo
HomeAnswersEndocrinologyuncontrolled diabetes

My dad has T2D for 20 years. Why he has uncontrolled sugar?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My father has been suffering from type 2 diabetes for the last 20 years. His blood sugar levels are never fully under control. This could be due to a lack of physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle.

Recently, his HbA1C value was 9, and he is also taking insulin; he takes 16 units of insulin glargine along with Metformin and Volix tablets. How can I help him bring his sugar levels to normal?

Please help.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com

Thank you for your query.

Having a close family member with diabetes and watching them manage it is stressful enough, but in your case, it is your father, and his condition is not well-controlled, which I believe could be even more stressful for you. I appreciate and understand your worry about your father. But, I would point out that you need to take care of and look after yourself as well.

Coming back to your query regarding your father's diabetes, I would like to take a look at a few things, like:

  • Diet: An ideal diet would be low in simple carbohydrates but high in protein and unsaturated fats. Studies have shown that when switched to a low-calorie diet, many diabetic patients have been able to reduce their medicines, and in some cases, diabetes could be said to be 'in remission'.
  • Medication: You have mentioned insulin glargine 16U daily, but what are the formulations and doses of his other two medications?
  • Sleep: How many hours of restful sleep does he get in a day? Is it continuous sleep or broken? Does he feel well-rested when he gets up in the morning?
  • Water intake: A daily water intake is recommended for healthy kidneys.
  • Physical activity: He does not need the gym. Just walking around the house for at least 30 minutes per day is enough. If he prefers, he could go for a walk after dinner. In addition to facilitating good digestion, it will help with the quality of his sleep as well.

Additionally, could you send me any of his blood test reports from the past three to four years?

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At April 17, 2024
Reviewed AtJuly 18, 2025

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Listen to related tracks in our music library

Ask your health query to a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.