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Caring for a Loved One with Diabetes

Diabetes is a demanding condition and requires patients to constantly watch what they eat and take medication regularly, sometimes multiple times in a day. Diabetes patients are also at an increased risk of developing complications like heart disease, kidney disease, and vision loss. All of this can be a lot to handle, and people with diabetes may feel physically and mentally drained.

If your loved one is suffering from diabetes, there are ways you can help.

Learning about diabetes and its management requirements can help you feel better informed about helping them look after their diabetes. Treatment plans and lifestyle changes may differ from person to person, taking into account severity of diabetes and risk factors for associated complications.

Ask your loved one how you can help. You could help with providing basic medical care such as:

  • Providing reminders to take their medication at the prescribed doses and intervals.
  • Performing a finger-prick test to check glucose levels. Some patients require regular glucose testing which can be done with small pinpricks that produce drops of blood to be tested on a glucose meter. In case they have a fear of needles or difficulty with mobility, they may need your help with such tests.
  • Administering insulin injections.
  • Performing a routine foot check as people with diabetes need to check their feet every day to prevent foot problems.
  • Plan how to handle a diabetes-related emergency or complications such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or diabetic ketoacidosis. You could help spot symptoms of these conditions and help your loved one get immediate help.
  • Tagging along for appointments if it is alright with your relative or friend. You could learn more about how diabetes affects them and in what ways you can assist them.

Make it a team effort.

  • Follow the same healthy food and fitness plan as your loved one.
  • You could prepare meals in accordance to their treatment plan.
  • Join them for physical activities like taking walks together or signing up for a gym or exercise class with them.
  • Help with everyday tasks like grocery shopping, doing the laundry, and other household tasks.

Help manage stress. Blood sugar levels can increase with increased stress, making it harder to control diabetes. Encourage your loved one to talk about what is stressing them out. Help them make time for things they enjoy.

The needs of a person with diabetes may change over time, hence, how much support and encouragement they require can also change.

Remember to take care of yourself, too. Consider these tips:

  • Eat healthy, exercise, and maintain regular appointments with your own healthcare providers.
  • Ask for help from another family member or friend or hire an at-home care professional.
  • Make time for activities you enjoy.
  • Seek emotional support from a mental health professional or join a support group for caregivers.(54,.,56)

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