Diabetes affects millions of people in the US and sometimes those affected are family or loved ones. When someone you love is diagnosed with diabetes, it can be emotional and can cause a million questions to run through your mind, such as; what the medical costs are going to be or how you can help them manage their diabetes. You feel the need to support them, and you can.
Ask for Help
So, where do you start? This can be hard to figure out, especially when you find out someone you love has been diagnosed with diabetes. First, ask your healthcare provider what you can do to keep your loved one safe and healthy. If you have other family members who have this disease, you can also reach out to them to get advice or ask questions. Asking for help is the first step in supporting this new journey for your loved ones.
Prepare & Plan
Getting the news of your loved one being diagnosed with this disease can be a shock at first, but when that wears off, find comfort in knowing there are many ways to help them along the way. Living with diabetes can be a challenge, but it is something you can meet head on through planning and preparation. Get back to daily life and regular routine activities through:
Regular physical activity
Balanced diet – one that everyone can enjoy
Just because your loved one has diabetes, does not mean they can’t achieve their goals or dreams.
Talk About IT
A key part of managing diabetes is making sure everyone is open and able to talk about their fears, frustrations, and hopes for the future. This disease can create different emotions. Making sure your loved one has someone to talk to is important. If they do not feel comfortable talking with you, reach out to a professional or the community.
Keep On Keeping On
Just because your loved one has been diagnosed with diabetes, doesn’t mean life stops. Life goes on. Follow these planning tips to keep life moving in the right direction:
Before traveling, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider to make sure all medications are current. Get written prescriptions for insulin and other medications in case they are lost, along with a doctor’s letter and treatment instructions
If you have a child with diabetes and need a babysitter, consider hiring a teenager who is familiar with this disease.
Plan ahead for birthday parties, holidays or going out to eat. Communicating with the host about special nutrition requirements or check out the restaurant menu before deciding on a place to eat.
Information provided by diabetes.org.
