Diabetes can be challenging because of its physical, emotional, financial, social, and mental consequences. People with diabetes must always take medication to maintain stable blood sugar levels, check their blood sugar on a frequent basis, and be mindful of their overall lifestyle. As a result, a diabetes diagnosis and condition affect the patient’s loved ones.

If you know someone who has diabetes and aren’t sure how to effectively aid, support, and care for them, this article will help.

Being supportive of someone with diabetes and actively participating in daily care will help them live their healthiest life possible. To accomplish this, you need provide physical, mental, and emotional support.

Physical care comprises monitoring medicine, nutrition, and exercise. Remind them to check their blood sugar on a daily basis, and keep track of their weight, blood sugar levels, medication regimen, meals, activity, and mood. Ensure that there is a medication schedule in place, and that medicines are taken at the appropriate times and amount. Use a pill organizer if necessary, and offer assistance if your loved one is unable to open or administer their prescription themselves. Offer to keep track of their symptoms or any concerns so they can discuss them with their doctor. You can also assist them in scheduling and getting to doctor’s visits.

Ensure that their diets are rich in protein, whole grains, healthy fats, fruits, and veggies. Avoid oily, greasy, and fried foods, as well as foods (or drinks) heavy in refined sugars. Drinking plenty of water and snacking on nutritious foods are also beneficial. Exercise improves insulin sensitivity, lowers blood glucose levels, regulates weight, decreases anxiety, improves mental health, and lowers the risk of cardiac illness, thus it should also be prioritized. Other physical care activities include grooming, bathing, and clothing.

Encourage them to join a wellness club, such as LiveWell Club, where Nigerians with diabetes can obtain practical knowledge and share experiences to assist their treatment, food, and lifestyle changes.

Diabetes raises the risk of melancholy and anxiety; blood sugar changes can cause jitteriness, confusion, worry, or irritability; mental and emotional care should not be overlooked. Provide support, encourage your loved one to join a group, and discuss professional counselling if necessary. Also, encouraging them to engage in everyday stress-relieving activities (walking, deep breathing exercises, listening to music, or watching a comedy movie) will help decrease the mental toll of the diabetes journey.

Now, let me share with you five care advice for those leaving with diabetes 2.

To safeguard your loved one’s health and minimize diabetes complications, start by educating yourself. Curiosity is synonymous with care. Learn all you can about diabetes and your loved one’s specific situation.

Research online and offer to accompany them to appointments or diabetic support group meetings. Learn how to avoid emergencies and problems, as well as how to recognize the signs of low (hypoglycemia) or high (hyperglycemia) blood sugar.

Second, have patience. Care entails compassion. Give your loved one some time to assimilate what can be a large amount of information at once. Be patient with the extra time they may require to perform foot care while getting dressed in the morning, study nutrition labels while grocery shopping, test blood glucose, or give insulin. Don’t ignore the fact that managing diabetes is difficult. There’s a fine line between being supportive and nagging. If you begin lecturing or acting as the diabetes police, they may shut down and refuse your help and you don’t want that.

Third, make modifications. Care entails dedication. Join them in choosing healthier lifestyle choices. Set little goals, such as eating healthier, stopping smoking, and remaining active.

Fourth, speak favorably. Care entails communication. Encourage them in ways that they can understand and appreciate. Ask frequently how you can help. Be precise about what you can help with. Don’t offer what you aren’t willing to provide. If your offer is turned down, let them know that the door is open when they are ready. Instead of telling bad stories, offer constructive support. Although issues may arise, you should keep conversations upbeat. They do not need to hear about those who have died or had their limbs severed.

Fifth, be observant. Care equals consciousness. People with type 2 diabetes may occasionally suffer a dip in blood sugar levels. This can lead to foggy thinking, weariness, and weakness. Determine whether your loved one is at risk for low blood sugar, as well as the symptoms and treatment options. Keep an eye out for these indicators and report any changes in behavior right once. It’s also a good idea to plan ahead of time for a diabetes emergency or what to do if your blood sugar drops. Because low blood sugar can create confusion, your loved one may not be able to express the actions to raise their blood sugar at this time. If there is an emergency, please contact the medical team immediately.

Finally, as a bonus suggestion, take care of yourself. Care is synonymous with cognisance. Recognize your limitations and know when to step back. Remember that it is ultimately up to the individual with diabetes to manage it, not you. It’s beneficial to have a community of other caregivers to help smooth your trip.

A diabetes community or support group is extremely good for the physical and mental health of persons with diabetes, as well as their caregivers.