Caring for Diabetes: Essential Tips for Supporting Loved Ones

04 April 2019

Diabetes, as we know, is a life-long disease. It is a hard disease to handle alone. A lot of support, especially from family members and friends are important, in helping the patient deal with the disease and manage the disease successfully.

Understanding Diabetes: The First Step in Caring for Diabetes

Here are some ways that you can support your friend or loved one:

• Voice your support

Verbal support, even if you’re not able to offer physical assistance, is significant for a diabetic. Let the person know that you love him/her and offer him/her help and assistance as much as you can.

• Learn about the disease

Get to know more about diabetes. This way, you can have a rough idea what a diabetic feels like. So, read some books and surf the net for forums, websites on this topic. Better yet, accompany the patient to his/her doctor’s appointments.

• Talk about your feelings

Even though you are not the one suffering from diabetes, you can suffer in your own ways too, such as having to take time out to care for the patient. So, do let your loved one know his or her condition affects you too.

• Exercise together

Exercise in general is a healthy activity regardless of your health condition. Get the patient to go for a walk, to the gym, or join a dance class together. With your emotional and physical support, the patient is more motivated to get into a better shape

• Choose healthy foods

Diet plays a big role in anyone’s life, especially for someone with diabetes. And if your family member has diabetes, this means you’re more at risk. Making lifestyle changes such as cooking healthy meals can benefit the whole family, and not just the patient.

• Encourage

It’s normal for a patient with diabetes to have his/her ups and downs during the journey of managing this disease, such as feeling low at times when blood sugar rises, or when he/she can’t eat a certain type of food. Of course there will be good times too such as when patient manages to lose some weight, etc. So, remember to applaud his/her efforts and successes and don’t forget to encourage him/her during struggles.

• Be considerate

Family and friends gathering usually revolve around food and this is a common Malaysian culture. During these occasions, try to be considerate and offer healthy, tasty treats such as fresh fruit, instead of cakes.

• Seek outside help

Sometimes, even as a caregiver, it can take an emotional toll. If your loved one is sad or depressed, check with his/her doctor on ways to help. Check on support groups from hospitals. Most hospitals now also have certified diabetes educators.

 

 

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