How to Support Someone with Diabetes
When someone you love is first diagnosed with diabetes, it can be a scary feeling. You may experience a range of emotions, including anger and fear. You may worry that you won’t know what to do to best support your loved one. However, with a little education and preparation, you can help your loved one survive and even thrive after a diagnosis of diabetes.
Learn all you can
Itís important for yourself and your loved one that you understand diabetes and all that it involves. There is a lot of information to learn, so it can feel overwhelming. Speak with the doctor who is treating your loved one. Ask questions, and get as much information as possible. Learn the symptoms of diabetes, the medications your loved one should be taking, as well as the foods and exercises they should be doing.
Help your loved one make good choices
If the person diagnosed with diabetes is an adult, they are ultimately responsible for the choices they make. However, although you cannot make their choices for them, you can help by encouraging them. You should always be respectful and loving as you help, or it can be seen as nagging. Help your loved one by eating the same kinds of food they eat, by exercising with them, and even getting involved in their treatment.
There are many things you can do to help your loved one make good choices that will improve their health and improve their diabetes. This will not only help encourage good health, but it will also help your loved one feel that they are not alone in dealing with diabetes.
Know the signs of an emergency
Do you know what the signs of a diabetic emergency are? If not, be sure to ask the doctor what to look for. A diabetic emergency can be life-threatening, so you need to know what the signs are and how to respond.
Some warning signs of low blood sugar include sweating, shaking, headache, hunger, and weakness. More serious signs include loss of consciousness and seizures. Warning signs of high ketones include having to urinate frequently, a dry mouth, or vomiting. Other, more serious signs include dry mouth and skin, stomach pain, and rapid breathing.
Find support for yourself
Itís important when caring for someone with diabetes that you take time for yourself and realize that you are not alone. Diabetes can be a stressful illness to deal with, so make sure to find support when you need it. If you need to, talk to a good friend who will listen and be understanding. You can also find local support groups or even support groups online. The important thing is to be sure to get the support you need.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with diabetes, there are resources out there to help you. If you learn all you can about diabetes and find ways to help out when you can, the person with diabetes will be grateful for the support.
About the Author
Karen Newton is a registered nurse and acclaimed
author with over 25 years of health care experience.
Her newest book, Diabetic Diet Secrets, is an easy
to follow guide to losing weight and getting control
of your diabetes.