Family members and friends who need help with diabetes usually ask us how we manage our lifestyle. Having a diabetic husband and two children with diabetes we have a greater understanding of this problem. We understand that there is a lot to learn and also know that it’s not a problem that can be handled alone.
There are different ways to help support a loved one or friend, here are some ideas:
Support is important
Make sure the person you wish to help knows they have your support and that you are willing to help them.
Increase your knowledge about diabetes
Learning about diabetes there are many resources, books and websites can help you increase your knowledge. Most Doctors will be able to advise you and attending diabetes classes together with the person you wish to help.
Discussing your feeling
By discussing how you feel and how their diabetes affects you is important when offering support.
Let go
You are not responsible for managing another person’s diabetic control. Don’t assume because I am a certified diabetic educator that I will nag you. You are responsible for your own diabetes control. Diabetic family members are more comfortable asking me to help them when I’m available.
Lifestyle changes introduced for diabetic control can benefit the whole family, for example:
Exercising together
Involving all members of the family in exercises is easy if you attend a Gym or just going for a walk together.
Choosing healthy meal plans, the whole family can benefit from choosing to eat healthily. If the diabetic person is a family member then all other family members are at risk, so making a lifestyle change for everyone helps prevent the other members becoming diabetic.
Applauding and encouraging the diabetic person you are helping them, especially over difficult periods when they struggle.
At all times be considerate. For instance, if you have a party then you should offer healthy choices such as fresh fruit to your guests.
Seeking help. Diabetics can easily get depressed or sad about their condition; ask for help from a health care provider. You can ask about support groups for diabetes or arrange a meeting with a care-giver that is certified.
If you are a primary care-giver for a diabetic person, this can take an emotional toll on you. Sometime primary care-givers need to take control of the diabetics care if they are unable to do so themselves or if they don’t want to. If you are having difficulties with this aspect then talk to your healthcare provided or a diabetes educator. Your discussions together will help you determine the point when you may need outside help from a nurse for instance.
