Helping a Loved One Manage Diabetes

A diabetes diagnosis can be shocking. In order to manage the overwhelming emotions and medical needs that accompany such a diagnosis, a lot of family love and care is needed. If your family member has recently been diagnosed, there are several immediate steps you can take to provide them with the best support. Our Los Angeles internist can provide the best tips to helping a loved one manage diabetes.

Helping a Loved One Manage Diabetes

The first thing you can do to support your loved one after a diabetes diagnosis is to let them know that you are all one team. Together the whole household can find out what kind of healthy habits would improve everybody’s health while reducing the symptoms experienced by your diabetic family member.

Get Educated

It is always a good idea to learn as much as you can about the disease that is afflicting your loved one. That way, you can be better prepared for any and all care requirements they may need. It is important to understand:

• How diabetes is caused

• The symptoms of diabetes

• Treatment options

• Dietary restrictions

• Emergency preparations

Diabetes treatments may look different for each person with the disease. For example, some diabetic patients can treat symptoms through exercise, while others have their symptoms exacerbated by exercise.

Attend Appointments

Your loved one or family member might feel more at ease with their situation if you offer to accompany them on their appointments. By giving them a ride or going into the doctor’s office with them, they will be reminded that they are never alone. And you can always ask the doctor more questions about diabetes that could benefit both you and your diabetic loved one.

Monitor Blood Sugar Constantly

Those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes will need to constantly monitor blood sugar levels to look out for spikes. Drops in blood sugar could be dangerous for a diabetic person as this could pose a danger to their life. Make sure to look out for some of the symptoms of low blood sugar, which can include:

• Sudden fatigue

• Dizziness

• Feeling hungry

• Sweating

• Tingling

• Trembling or shaking

• Sudden moodiness

• Heart palpitations

Upon noticing symptoms of low blood sugar, you should make sure your loved one gets a sugar-filled snack or drink. Some sweets or fruit juice can help.

Stay Positive

You might be tempted to talk to your loved one about how their habits might have led to this diagnosis. However, nagging them or complaining about their behaviors will only make matters worse. You should trust that your loved one is doing their best to stay on top of their health, and every small step is a victory. You do not need to remind them of their condition all the time, either; be a good support system without trying to control them.

Expect Anything

Diabetes can cause people to experience sudden mood swings, irritability, or fatigue. It is important to remain open-minded and expectant of anything in order to provide your loved one with the best of care. If you could provide your family member with emotional as well as medical support, you would be greatly benefitting their care.

Get the Best in Diabetes Care!

There are many ways to help your loved one manage diabetes at home. It is also important to invest in quality medical care so your loved one can get set up with the right diabetes treatment plan. Get in touch with the best diabetes specialist in Los Angeles to come up with a customized treatment plan for your loved one. Learn how to support your family and get the best care in the area with Dr. Gura today!