How to Support a Loved One with Type 2 Diabetes

By Type2 Advice

If you have a loved one who has type 2 diabetes, you may wonder how you can help them manage their condition and live a healthy and happy life. Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that affects the way the body regulates and uses sugar (glucose) as a fuel. It can cause symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing sores. It can also increase the risk of serious complications such as heart disease, nerve damage, kidney failure, and vision loss.

Type 2 diabetes is mainly caused by two problems: the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, a hormone that helps sugar enter the cells; and the cells become resistant to insulin and do not take in enough sugar¹. The exact reasons why this happens are not fully understood, but some factors that can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes include being overweight or inactive, having a family history of diabetes, being older than 45 years, and belonging to certain ethnic groups.

Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong condition that requires regular monitoring and treatment. People with type 2 diabetes need to check their blood sugar levels regularly, take medications or insulin as prescribed by their doctor, follow a healthy diet and exercise plan, and attend regular check-ups with their health care team. These steps can help them control their blood sugar levels and prevent or delay the onset of complications.

As a family member or friend of someone with type 2 diabetes, you can play an important role in supporting them in their journey. Here are some ways you can help your loved one with type 2 diabetes:

Learn about type 2 diabetes

The first step to support your loved one with type 2 diabetes is to educate yourself about the condition. Learning about what causes type 2 diabetes, how it affects the body, what are the symptoms and complications, how it is diagnosed and treated, and what are the goals and challenges of managing it can help you understand what your loved one is going through and how you can help them.

You can find reliable and up-to-date information about type 2 diabetes from reputable sources such as:

You can also ask your loved one’s doctor or nurse any questions you may have about type 2 diabetes and its management.

Encourage healthy habits

One of the best ways to support your loved one with type 2 diabetes is to encourage them to adopt healthy habits that can help them control their blood sugar levels and reduce their risk of complications. These habits include:

  • Eating a balanced diet that is low in sugar, fat, and salt, and high in fiber, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. You can help your loved one plan their meals, shop for healthy foods, cook together, or join them for meals.
  • Exercising regularly for at least 150 minutes per week. You can help your loved one find an activity they enjoy, such as walking, cycling, swimming, dancing, or gardening. You can also join them for exercise or encourage them to join a group or class.
  • Quitting smoking if they smoke. Smoking can worsen the effects of diabetes on the blood vessels and organs. You can help your loved one quit smoking by offering them support, advice, or resources such as nicotine patches or gum.
  • Limiting alcohol intake if they drink. Alcohol can affect blood sugar levels and interfere with some medications. You can help your loved one limit their alcohol intake by drinking less yourself, avoiding situations where alcohol is present, or offering them non-alcoholic alternatives.

Provide emotional support

Living with type 2 diabetes can be stressful and challenging for some people. They may experience feelings of anger, sadness, fear, guilt, or frustration. They may also face difficulties in coping with the changes in their lifestyle, the demands of their treatment regimen, or the impact of their condition on their relationships, work, or self-esteem.

As a family member or friend of someone with type 2 diabetes, you can provide emotional support by:

  • Listening to them without judging or criticizing them
  • Expressing your care and concern for them
  • Acknowledging their feelings and validating their experiences
  • Offering them encouragement and praise for their efforts and achievements
  • Helping them find positive ways to cope with stress such as relaxation techniques
  • Suggesting they seek professional help if they show signs of depression or anxiety such as loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
  • Being there for them when they need you

Communicate effectively

Communication is key to supporting your loved one with type 2 diabetes. Effective communication can help you understand each other’s needs and expectations better. It can also help you avoid conflicts or misunderstandings that may arise from differences in opinions or perspectives.

Some tips for communicating effectively with your loved one with type 2 diabetes are:

  • Be respectful and empathetic
  • Use open-ended questions to invite dialogue
  • Use “I” statements to express your feelings and thoughts
  • Avoid blaming or accusing language
  • Give constructive feedback rather than criticism
  • Respect their autonomy and choices
  • Ask for permission before giving advice or suggestions
  • Negotiate solutions that work for both of you

Conclusion

Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. It requires lifelong management and care to prevent or delay complications. As a family member or friend of someone with type 2 diabetes, you can support them by learning about their condition, encouraging healthy habits, providing emotional support, and communicating effectively.By doing so, you can help your loved one live a healthy and happy life with type 2 diabetes.

References and further reading

(1) Type 2 diabetes - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20351193. (2) Type 2 diabetes - NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/type-2-diabetes/. (3) Type 2 Diabetes | CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/type2.html.

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