Skip to content

Supporting Your Loved One With Diabetes

By: Dr Allie Butler, PharmD

A diabetes diagnosis changes things. The new lifestyle that often accompanies this diagnosis can be a challenge for many. Without support from loved ones, it can make it even more difficult. It’s not, simply, about adding new medications or visiting their doctor more. To be successful in management requires, sometimes drastic, alterations to normal living. Learning about diet, exercise and management is often new territory, and can be overwhelming. Here are a few ways that you can help ease your loved ones as they process the news and make the transition.

  • Leave the judgement at the court: People need to feel supported. Do not criticize and critique every meal they choose or snack they eat. People with diabetes CAN still eat carbs and desserts. Don’t let that misnomer fool you. Instead, highlight the positive changes they are making. Focus on the good and encourage more of those healthful habits.
  • Learn about management: Diabetes often comes with significant self monitoring. Pricking the finger can be scary. Some may have to inject insulin. As a support system, be there with them for that first injection. Test your own sugars. Look up the “how-to” video with them. These small gestures can ease the anxiety and stress your loved one may have as they learn how to self manage.
  • Go to an appointment: Sometimes the amount of information presented can be extensive. Take notes for them. But don’t interject. It’s important to let them take charge. The only role you need to take is a supportive one. 
  • Change your diet: Getting a diabetes diagnosis doesn’t flip a switch that turns off food cravings. If a person with diabetes is surrounded by healthy choices, they are more likely to select these choices for themselves. It comes with the added bonus of increased health benefits for you. Diabetes can be genetic. The earlier people adjust their diet, the better chance of prevention later in life. 
  • Work out Together: Fitness is an essential part of success for a person with diabetes. Daily routines help balance sugars. It’s easier to stay consistent when an accountability partner is present. So instead of turning the TV on, take a walk. If it’s raining, have a dance party inside. Movement is movement and all of it will help!

Diabetes is a lifelong disease. Your loved ones will need your support as they traverse this new world. While it’s ultimately their responsibility to make the changes necessary for success, you can help them in that process and make those changes easier. You can be the community that helps them win the battle within. 

Sign Up Here For Our Newsletter!

This page is for informational and educational purposes only and may not be construed as medical advice. While this information is retrieved from reputable sources, it is not intended to replace physician offered medical diagnosis, treatment or advice. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment. For all medical emergencies, please contact your doctor immediately or call 911. Please refer to full medical disclaimer here.