Need advice on helping a diabetic friend

[SouthernBliss]

First let me say that I know I can not "fix" someone else. But yesterday I spoke to a friend of mine on the phone and I feel like I should at least try and help him out. He is a long time smoker and diabetic and from what I can tell doing none to well with either. I realized as I was talking to him how bad his breathing was so I think I need to send him a kit. I'm going to order him a simple 2 battery kit and a couple of e-liquids from fasttech and have them send them directly to him out west. I don't have scads of money so I'm afraid I am going sort of basic. I also want him to be encouraged but not pressured by my doing this.

So what advice do I need? What general sort of flavors I should order him that has the best chance of keeping him from the double chocolate cake on his counter. Or even if there is any hope of the e-cig sublimating some of the food desires he has right now. He has had a very tough go of it the last few years and I can understand the need for comfort foods. But it breaks my heart to know how much damage it is doing to his body. He already has noticeable neuropothy in his fingers and the computer is one of his main connection tools.

I also need some suggestions on how to encourage him with this long distance. He lives all the way across the country and so it will all be by phone and possibly email. He is stressed enough by life without me pushing him to much but I really want him to feel supported.

 

[RoseB]

It's hard to stay away from foods, because you've got no choice. I know all to well. Sweet fruity e liquid helps me curb the sweets. Strong mint flavors do wonders when I have to fast or liquids only. Helps give a sensation of substance in my mouth. Diabetics need to be extra careful when they quit cigarettes. It takes 2 weeks for a non diabetic to level out blood sugar wise. So I imagine it's pretty hard on folks with diabetes. Best of luck, and I hope your friend starts feeling better.

 

[VapHer]

I think it's excellent you are trying to help your friend, but as a diabetic myself there is not much you can really do unless he has motivation to change himself. I got my motivation and wake up call when, at 33, I was put on insulin (2 months ago.)

Is your friend open to helping himself?

IMO, I definitely suggest getting him a starter kit. He'll, at least, be curious ~ and hopefully lead to quitting or at least a decrease in smoking.

A great starter kit, as I'm sure you know, are the eGo ones with ce-4 clearos. Simple for a beginner, but a good PV. As for juice I'd throw in some Tribeca from Halo

He's lucky to have you as a friend!

 

[MamaTried]

I'm a diabetic of 20 years. Smoked for 45 years, much of that at 3 PAD and have been vaping for a couple of months. Tried the gum, the patch and the pills in previous attempts to quit, and finally found vaping. I may just be lucky, but i haven't had a cig since starting vaping.

Both legs have suffered neuropathy creep up to the knees (i ride a scooter now outdoors), and my left hand has signs of neuropathy (which really sucks since my right hand is useless due to nerve damage unrelated to diabetes.) I also spend an enormous amount of time on the computer, so if my left hand goes, it's game over.

I'm in my 60's. Assuming your friend is younger, I'm a decent poster boy for how he does NOT want to end up.

I wish I had some suggestions for juices that would help him abstain.

Since you said you are low on money, I think I have a couple of spare batteries from my original starter kit, and, i believe a charger, that I no longer have use for. I would be happy to PIF them to you, along with some clearos and probably some juice.

PM me for details.

Your friend is very lucky to know you.

 

[SouthernBliss]

Dwallen, your a total sweetheart to offer! I He is mid 50's so in between you and I. My heart is touched that you would offer and I will PM you. I know it is mostly hope on my part that I would be able to help him in any way to get the diabetes under control. My mother is a diabetic and its hard to keep her on track and I live with her. If I can get him cut his smoking and have another "comfort" tool in a PV that he can turn to I'll call it a win. I know I can't turn back the clock on his body but I'd like to at least slow it all down.

I think I will sort him up something minty, something tobacco ish (I'll ask the sort he likes) and hopefully some tempting sweetish flavors. I'm big on DIY so I can keep him in e-liquid once he starts. The trick will just be tempting him into starting and having flavors that keep him busy.

Is your friend open to helping himself?

I don't think it is an unwillingness to help himself. I am sure part of it is denial and not wanting to deal with it. But another part is that he lives alone in a place where he knows next to no one. I suspect that food is the only friend he sees regularly if you know what I mean. And he is much more proactive with his health than he has been for a couple of years so I am thankful for that and part of why I think he might show willing to vape!