How to be There for a Diabetic

Table of Contents

Diabetes is not only scary for the person diagnosed with it but also for those near and dear to the person with diabetes. Sometimes it can be really difficult if your loved one has diabetes because you don’t know how to show them love and support without hovering over them. We have a few tips to help you support your diabetic friend/family member without being overbearing or hard to talk to.

No One Likes a Diabetes Police

We understand that you are worried for your diabetic friend or family member, but that does not mean we can make decisions or them especially if they are adults. We can guide or, rather, help them switch towards healthier alternatives but we must respect them if they want to make the switch at their own pace. We are individuals with a unique set of opinions, we must respect our friend/family member with diabetes and honour their thoughts and opinions. Sometimes, your friend or family member might want to undergo a certain treatment for diabetes and though you may not entirely agree with the course of treatment it is not your call to make the final decision. You can, at most, ask them to research more on the treatment or offer to do research with them but the final decision to manage their diabetes is their call.

Remember there is a difference between showing concern and nagging. If we nag a person or constantly remind them that they are sick, they might shut you out of their life. There are days when a person with diabetes has blood sugar within range. They can have dessert during those days and we shouldn’t constantly try to stop them from having sugar. Yeah maybe if their habits seem a little dangerous, we can ask them to check their blood sugar, but that’s it. We know, it comes from a good place, but the right kind of communication will work wonders.

Actions Speak Louder than Words

Being there for someone is a broad concept. Tell them how you can help them instead of using the broad over used statement, ‘I’m here for you’. For instance, you can offer to go to the doctor with them, or research diabetic friendly food items with them. Again, the amount of help you provide depends on how close you are with the diabetic person. Do you live with them? Or do you go to college together? Are you best friends? All this reflects how realistically you can help them. Someone living near a diabetic can always do a lot more than someone living far. And, remember no one likes to be treated like they are a sick patient.

Essentially, a diabetics diet is a healthy choice of living. So, if you are a family member, offer to make healthier decisions around the house. Stop storing junk food so that they are not tempted to deviate from their diet. You can also offer to join the gym or any other sport/fitness routine with them so that they do not feel alone.

Research

There are a lot of myths about diabetes out there. If your friend or family member has diabetes, you should get the facts straight. Research with them but also research on your own. Learn what to do in case of low blood sugar and how much exercise is good for them, fruits and vegetables they can or cannot eat, etc.

Research keeps you prepared and allows you to stay ahead of the situation. So, make sure you do a good amount of research to keep your loved one protected.

Can They Count on You?

Diabetes can be a lonely disease. Sometimes, high blood sugar makes a person cranky or emotional, and sometimes they need someone to talk to when they feel hopeless about their condition. Do you want to be the person your friend/family member can talk to? If you do, all you have to do is listen.

Sometimes it can be a little difficult, especially if your diabetic friend seems to be showing signs of depression. You can ask them to join a group. Every diabetic is different and may react differently to such a suggestion. Some may sportingly give the suggestion a thought while others can dismiss it. So, you need to handle the situation tactfully.

Have a Little Fun

Diabetes is not all grim and no play. If not anything, diabetes pushes you towards a healthier lifestyle. It may be the perfect opportunity to go out more on trips and excursions. You can be that friend/partner. The one who makes diabetes fun. Plan trips and excursions that you and your diabetic friend can do together. If you plan to eat out, search for restaurants that sell healthy yet tasty meals. Search for ways to make delicious healthy meals at home too. There are lots of ways to make diabetes fun. And honestly, sometimes we all need to be reminded that life isn’t so bad after all!

We know it is difficult to be there for a diabetic. Sometimes it gets a little overwhelming too, but we hope these tips were helpful. As time goes by, diabetes will become more manageable for your friend/family member and supporting a diabetic will be more natural to you.

Join the conversation

You might also like..

Link Between Diabetes And Alzheimer’s Disease

What’s The Link Between Diabetes And Alzheimer’s Disease

When we talk about diabetes we refer to how it can cause heart problems or lead to kidney or liver damage. We rarely talk about how diabetes can affect the brain. New research is starting to show concrete evidence that there is a link between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, researchers are seeing so

Read More »
Diabetes And Stress

Diabetes And Stress – How Does Stress Affect Your Body?

Mental stress and physical stress can affect your body in more ways than you can imagine. Doctors have been trying to prove the correlation between stress and diabetes for centuries. Finally, in a 2010 study, doctors were able to reveal that those with depression and anxiety have a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes.

Read More »
3 Reasons Why Diabetics Should Eat On Time

3 Reasons Why Diabetics Should Eat On Time

We have discussed the importance of eating right and ingredients that keep your blood sugar under control with the right kind of food. What we often overlook is the importance of eating on time. Your body depends on a routine so that you can have fewer sugar spikes. But why is it so important for

Read More »
Food That Naturally Lowers Blood Sugar

8 Types Of Food That Naturally Lowers Blood Sugar

If you are diabetic you know that it’s crucial for you to manage your blood sugar. Your life depends on it. Medicine only works so far. The best way to maintain diabetes is to include food that naturally lowers blood sugar. But what are they? Let’s find out in the article below.  8 Types Of

Read More »
Connection Between Diabetes And Heart Disease

What Is The Connection Between Diabetes And Heart Disease

Diabetes is a very scary degenerative condition partly because it puts you at risk for so many other illnesses and heart disease is just one of the many things that can affect diabetics. But what is the connection between diabetes and heart disease and how can you protect yourself from getting it? Let’s find out.

Read More »

Our products..

  • SOLD OUT

    Celliant Infrared Sports Socks (Copy)

  • SilverShield Ionic+ Handkerchief

  • SilverShield Ionic+ Face Mask

  • Syounaa Infrared Sports Socks

  • Syounaa Infrared Diabetic Socks

  • Syounaa Infrared Wellness Socks

SHOPPING BAG 0