When Your Loved One Has Diabetes

Posted on February 7, 2014 by DiabetesDigest.com Staff in Diabetes Care

Reviewed and updated by Di Bush, PhD, Jan 1. 2014

What To Do when Your Loved One Has Diabetes

If you found out that your loved one has diabetes, what would you do?

You must be sure not to panic since diabetes can be treated. Diabetes occurs when the body does not make enough insulin, which is a hormone that brings sugar into cells to be used for fuel. Low insulin means the cells do not get enough sugar, and the sugar stays in the blood causing diabetes. Healthy eating, staying active, and medications can help keep diabetes under control. When your loved one gets diabetes there are three steps you can follow to help them and yourself to stay in control of your health:

STEP ONE: Be Supportive

No one likes to be told that they have a chronic disease. Your loved one is likely troubled by having diabetes and has many fears about the illness. Many people think that diabetes is a death sentence, but this is not true. Therefore, if you found out that one of your loved ones has diabetes, tell him/her that no matter what health issues they may have that you still love and support him/her. Also, you must remind that person that even people with diabetes can still have a normal life. Diabetes can be managed through healthy eating, staying active, and taking diabetes medicines.

STEP TWO: Change the Way You Live

Diabetes can make both of you care more about the way you live your life. You both can help each other eat more healthy foods, stay active, and visit your doctor more often. Although you do not have to take medicines, you can still follow the same healthy eating plan and exercise advice given to your loved one to help you prevent getting diabetes. By taking part in these changes, you and your loved one can support each other and cheer each on to make the right lifestyle choices to maintain a healthy weight and keep any health problems at bay or away!

STEP THREE: Take an Active Role

You can also play an active role in helping your loved one deal with their diabetes by going to the doctor with them. By doing this, you will not only provide support, but you will be able to make sure your loved one gets there. You will also be able to hear what the doctor has to say and get a chance to help your loved one understand any advice given to them during their visit.

Always Remember…

If you notice that your loved one is taking diabetes too hard, you can help them find a healthcare provider they can talk to about coping with diabetes. Never let yourself or your loved one think of diabetes as the end of their good health, but think of diabetes as a new beginning for you both!

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