It’s not easy managing Type 2 diabetes; it can affect every aspect of life, whether it be diet, exercise, or daily activities. It’s a chronic condition that has no cure to get rid of it fully, but there are ways to manage the illness to mitigate the effects.
If you know someone who has Type 2 diabetes, there are things you can do to make their management easier, helping them in both subtle and direct ways. Be aware of these top tips for supporting someone living with Type 2 diabetes; they’ll appreciate it and you’ll show them that it’s not something they have to face on their own.
What Is Type 2 Diabetes?
Diabetes is a common endocrine disorder that can affect the body in several ways. One of the most notable symptoms is trouble regulating glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream.
Due to this deregulation, sugar will appear in large quantities in a person’s bloodstream if they suffer from Type 2 diabetes. This can bring with it a number of symptoms such as fatigue, blurred vision, rapid weight fluctuation, and excessive thirst, just to name a few.
It’s important to have some understanding of diabetes before trying to help friends and family manage it. Know what their typical symptoms are; there is often some minor variation between people. Be aware of what they go through daily and keep in mind these tips to help someone with Type 2 diabetes.
Find Ways To Encourage Healthy Eating
One of the most critical ways to manage diabetes is to alter one’s diet, incorporating less processed foods and spending more time cooking. While this is one of the best ways to mitigate the harmful effects of diabetes, it is also one of the most challenging for individuals to get into. This issue comes with a complete change in dietary choices and often giving up foods that the person enjoys or finds comfort in.
They substitute food they love with meals they most likely won’t enjoy at first. The second issue comes with cooking itself; it can be difficult finding diabetes-friendly food straight from the grocery store, making it necessary to cook for yourself. Cooking is a skill that takes time and practice to get right, and there are many people who feel like they don’t have that kind of time.
There are two ways you can help with eating healthy. First, if you know how to cook already, teach them some simple recipes that aid their diet restrictions. Second, if you don’t know how to cook very well either, you two can learn together by taking classes or searching easy recipes online. Whatever the case may be, it’s far easier to learn when a friend or family member accompanies you through the journey.
Make Time To Exercise Together
Right after dieting, exercising is the second most important way to manage Type 2 diabetes. But like dietary changes, getting into an exercise routine can be a hassle for many people. Not only does it interrupt their current lifestyle, but the physical stress it can place on the body can make it uncomfortable to do on a regular basis.
However, like cooking, the activity is far more fun when done with others. Sharing the burden with someone else can make it feel less stressful; it helps make time fly by faster, and the work seem more fun than a chore. Working out together also helps keep everyone accountable; if you ask to exercise together, then the other person will feel an obligation to join you.
Go With Them To Diabetes Support Groups
Support groups are a valuable resource for individuals first dealing with their condition. It’s a way for them to network with others and learn from others’ past experiences. The knowledge and emotional support these groups provide can significantly increase a person’s quality of life, but it’s not always a comfortable first experience.
It can be intimidating walking into an established group and sharing private medical issues; it’s a vulnerable state many would like to avoid. But jumping into these groups is easier when a person has a friend to go with them for their first few visits. With a companion, they know they aren’t alone; they have someone there as a sign of support.
Never underestimate how important your mere presence can be in situations like this. Go with them until they feel comfortable going on their own; it can open a lot of doors for them in terms of knowledge and support for their condition.
Provide Help With Doctor Appointments
Doctor appointments are critical; they keep patients in the loop about their bodily health and provide much-needed structure to their care plan. Without the help of a doctor, individuals living with Type 2 diabetes can quickly deteriorate. But while going to the doctor is vital, it’s not always easy to physically get there when you suffer from diabetes.
Due to the symptoms, like fatigue, blurred vision, and muscles weakness, it can be a challenge getting out of the house. Because of the difficulty diabetes poses, it’s essential that you step up and offer assistance whenever your loved one needs to make it to a doctor’s visit. These trips to the doctor will keep your loved one on the path to management, and missing even a single appointment can set them back significantly.
Make sure they know it’s not a burden for you to take them. Many people will avoid asking for help if they think they’re troubling others. Ask if they need a ride and let them know you’re there in case they need transportation.
Help Them Keep a Positive Outlook
Living with diabetes isn’t a fun experience, and individuals with the condition can have negative emotions about it. But it’s always essential to make sure you help them keep their spirits up when times get tough. Whether you make their life better by helping them make difficult lifestyle changes or simply being there to socialize with them, they will appreciate whatever you can offer. Know what their needs are and help in whatever way you can, making their treatment that much easier to handle.
When they need medical help, it’s essential to visit an endocrine expert for their expertise. Diabetes is a sensitive condition and requires the care of specialized doctors to manage it safely. Dr. Philip Rabito is a
diabetes specialist in New York City with years of experience in helping patients manage their diabetic needs.