Be sweet support for your loved one living with diabetes
Over 4 million South Africans live with diabetes, a chronic condition characterised by high blood sugar. It can be a complex condition to manage, involving medicine, regular checks and changes in diet and exercise, so your loved one will benefit from a little help.
You can support your loved one in the following ways:
Educate yourself
Learn about diabetes, its complications, management strategies and blood sugar monitoring. You can learn more about diabetes by asking your loved one questions, offering to join appointments with their doctor and reading clinical pamphlets.
If you go online, stick to reputable websites like the World Health Organization. For support from others with diabetes, visit the Sweet Life website for helpful information (https://sweetlife.org.za).
Encourage healthy eating
A balanced diet is one of the cornerstones of effective diabetes management.
Assist by:
You can support your loved one in the following ways:
Educate yourself
Learn about diabetes, its complications, management strategies and blood sugar monitoring. You can learn more about diabetes by asking your loved one questions, offering to join appointments with their doctor and reading clinical pamphlets.
If you go online, stick to reputable websites like the World Health Organization. For support from others with diabetes, visit the Sweet Life website for helpful information (https://sweetlife.org.za).
Encourage healthy eating
A balanced diet is one of the cornerstones of effective diabetes management.
Assist by:
- Offering support in their journey to be healthier and letting them know you are there for them
- Cooking nutritious meals together
- Making similar choices when eating out together to encourage healthier choices
Exercise together
Because exercise helps to regulate blood sugar levels, suggest activities you can do together, such as walking, swimming or even a dance class.
Understand their treatment plan
Taking their medicine is vital. Offer gentle reminders and assistance in tracking your loved one’s blood sugar readings and following their healthcare practitioner’s guidelines.
Know what to do in a diabetic emergency
This can occur when blood sugar levels are either too high or too low. It’s important to recognise the signs and know how to respond, as this can prevent complications and save your loved one’s life.
Speak to your loved one about what to do in an emergency, and make sure to get a second opinion from a healthcare practitioner.
Offer emotional support
A diabetes diagnosis can be a shock, and managing the condition can be overwhelming at times. As those living with diabetes are two to three times more likely to experience depression than those without diabetes, providing a listening ear and words of encouragement can remind your loved one that they’re not alone on their journey.
Diabetes is a manageable condition, but it can be demanding. With support and encouragement, those living with diabetes will navigate their daily challenges a little more sweetly.
References:
Because exercise helps to regulate blood sugar levels, suggest activities you can do together, such as walking, swimming or even a dance class.
Understand their treatment plan
Taking their medicine is vital. Offer gentle reminders and assistance in tracking your loved one’s blood sugar readings and following their healthcare practitioner’s guidelines.
Know what to do in a diabetic emergency
This can occur when blood sugar levels are either too high or too low. It’s important to recognise the signs and know how to respond, as this can prevent complications and save your loved one’s life.
Speak to your loved one about what to do in an emergency, and make sure to get a second opinion from a healthcare practitioner.
Offer emotional support
A diabetes diagnosis can be a shock, and managing the condition can be overwhelming at times. As those living with diabetes are two to three times more likely to experience depression than those without diabetes, providing a listening ear and words of encouragement can remind your loved one that they’re not alone on their journey.
Diabetes is a manageable condition, but it can be demanding. With support and encouragement, those living with diabetes will navigate their daily challenges a little more sweetly.
References: