My bro is just recovering from long (`8+ mo and severe) Bell's Palsy with serious eye complictns (was temp blind in one eye, much pain).  After 7 years, he is finally on a med that is controlling his diabetes, but it also makes him seriously bloated.  He is extremely overweight; tho pretty good on following diet, hasn't been able to lose weight for over four yrs, now bloating makes it worse.  He was so happy with good blood sugar numbers, he accepted the bloating, even when it didn't 'get better' as his body 'adjusted' to the new med (sorry, don't know the name).  NOW he suddenly has severe no-strength in hip joints.  Can barely stand or walk.  His doctors aren't much help; one just lectured him about wt, not taking into acct the bloating factors; he tries so hard but no wt loss, and he has asked his docs not to harrass him about wt, and he will not see her again.  His coverage in Nevada is really bad, in the sense it doesn't have good diabetes referrals/doctor base, but he can't change because of pre-existing condition.  I know you can't diagnose over the net, but I am getting desperate.  Any clues or possible search directions would be highly valued by me.  Can you give me any ideas on causes or treatment approaches about the weak hip joints?  Also, how bad for the body is severe bloating?  Thank you so much for any help.  He is giving up; talking about dying before the new year.