Linda, who is 22 years old, asks the following question: Me and my sister are Type 1 insulin-dependent diabetics. I got diabetes when I was 13 years old and my sister got it when she was 4 years old; my sister is 25 years old.  Her Ha1c has been very high (14.3) and she does not take care of herself. I do, but she does not. What can I do to let her know that if she keeps her sugars so high all the time she is going to die?

Dear Linda,
This question is being answered by two pros: Michael White and Rocky Wilson, Ph.D.   Rocky is a licensed psychologist and Director of Camp Conrad-Chinnock. 

Information from Michael:
Taking care of yourself when you have diabetes is a very important. Many people find that they have high Ha1cs. What you can do for your sister is to give her the information that you have and encourage her to take the best care of herself. Remember,  you can always go to your health care provider for help. You can also find adult groups of person her age, so she can meet other people dealing with diabetes. This is always a good way to start. Always be supportive of your sister so that she will not think you are trying to control her.

Information from Rocky:
There are basically only two reasons why your sister's blood sugars are so high.   First,  she may not have enough information to understand the causes of her high A1c readings, or second, she understands them well and is purposely sabotaging herself to get back at the diabetes. Sit down with her, without lecturing her, and tell her how you feel. For example, "I am so scared that I could loose my sister needlessly to diabetes that it makes me sad and frightened." Or, "I love you so much, it hurts me to see you in such poor health." Then ask her to tell you what she thinks is happening. It will be important that you listen to determine if it is the first or second reason. If she answers to the first reason, seek help from her doctor and dietitian. If she answers to the second reason, seek help from a counselor or therapist. Remember, she is your sister first, who you love and care for, before she is a diabetic. She will be more willing to listen if she knows that you care about her and not about her being "good".