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When A Loved One is Diagnosed

© Alexandria Powell

Someone you care about has type II diabetes. Is there anything you can do about it?

Education
Begin by learning all you can about the disease. Type II diabetes is a common problem – which is bad, but it does make obtaining clear and accurate information about it a little easier. You can find a wealth of information on the web or at your public library. Your community may also offer support groups or public information programs about diabetes. The family member’s healthcare team will also be able to answer your questions, and if you are invited to come along to doctor visits or otherwise participate in care, please do so.

In fact, when a loved one is first diagnosed, consider yourself lucky if he (or she) wants you to participate in their care, or even wants to learn more about the illness himself. The news that “you have diabetes” can be very hard to take. Many people will be in a state of denial or anger about their diagnosis. If this is the case, be patient and low-key. Allow them to work through their fear and grief. But continue to learn as much as possible.

Part of your loved one’s treatment may involve medications and blood glucose testing. If so, you need to know about the medications and procedures, so you can help your family member fit them into daily life.

Be alert for problems. Especially when taking medications to help control blood glucose, people with diabetes can have episodes of blood sugar that is too low (hypoglycemia) or too high (hyperglycemia). Both of these can be extremely dangerous. Learn to recognize the symptoms, and also the first-aid procedures for dealing with these conditions.

Making changes
If you’ve tried to exercise or diet to lose weight, you know how hard it is. It’s even worse when you are surrounded by temptation. Who is going to want a separate meal of steamed veggies and baked chicken when everyone else in the house is chowing down on fried chicken and mashed potatoes? Help your loved one make the changes that may literally be life-saving. Eat the same healthy foods they have to eat, and avoid bringing “bad” food into the house. Remember that a diet lower in sugar and fat, and containing lots of fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats, and fish, is better for everyone – not just people with type II diabetes. Also, healthy doesn’t have to mean tasteless. There’s a whole world of wonderful foods and nutritious snacks out there, if you do the research. (For a great source of easy to prepare and tasty recipes, check out the American Diabetes Association’s website.)

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