Caring for someone with type 2 diabetes

You are the first line of support in helping your loved one successfully manage his or her type 2 diabetes

Do you wish that you could become more involved and be more of a help to your loved one? Before you can really help, it’s important to know what type 2 diabetes is and what you and your loved one can do to manage the disease.

Read more about type 2 diabetes.

Understanding emotions

Support is important!

People with type 2 diabetes need support from nearly everyone in their lives. Your biggest role is helping your loved one successfully manage his or her condition, which includes:

• Setting up a healthy environment (making sure all of the right tools, such as a blood sugar [glucose] monitor, are available).
• Encouraging without nagging (positive reinforcement).
• Knowing when to listen.
• Educating yourself about type 2 diabetes management.

Helping your loved one deal with his or her emotions

When your loved one was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, he or she may have experienced feelings of depression, isolation, anger, frustration, fear, and guilt. These feelings may all happen at first, or they may happen at different times. Although these emotions may be negative, experiencing them may be a way for your loved one to cope with the reality of having type 2 diabetes.

It’s important to help your loved one deal with those emotions when they occur rather than to keep them inside. In this way, your loved one can begin to understand why he or she may feel a certain way.

The purpose of denial

If your loved one reacts to the news of having type 2 diabetes by not thinking about it or convincing himself or herself that the diagnosis is incorrect, he or she may be going through denial. Although denial is typically considered a negative reaction, it can actually help your loved one come to terms with the condition at his or her own pace. Denial can delay certain emotions, making it easier for your loved one to take in all of the new information that comes with living with type 2 diabetes.

Unfortunately, this method of coping can get in the way of positive action if your loved one continues to deny that he or she has type 2 diabetes. Your loved one may be less likely to do the things he or she needs to—such as eating healthy and getting physical activity—if denial lasts too long.

If your loved one seems to be denying his or her condition, do what you can to help without overwhelming him or her. Explain to your loved one that he or she can’t do it all at once and that taking even a small step is progress.

Moving past anger

Anger is a common reaction when coping with type 2 diabetes. Your loved one may be angry or aggravated with his or her condition, or even become angry at things he or she normally wouldn’t. After all, living with type 2 diabetes can be frustrating.

The good news is that your loved one can put anger to work. To do so, work with your loved one to identify the things that make him or her angry by writing them down when they happen. This way, your loved one can avoid certain situations or explain to you why certain things make him or her upset.

Then, encourage your loved one to put the energy he or she would normally spend being angry toward something helpful. Remind him or her that anger may just be a sign that a change is needed. For example, encourage your loved one to use that energy to become better educated about type 2 diabetes or to think of better ways to track his or her blood sugar.

Your support can be the difference

Many people with type 2 diabetes will experience a variety of feelings at a number of different times. Some days simply may be worse than others. Whatever emotions your loved one may experience, there are other things you can do:

• Keep an open ear and look out for any signs that he or she may need help.
• Tell your loved one that he or she can talk to you and that you’re ready to listen.
• Don’t try to make type 2 diabetes seem like “no big deal.” Instead, offer your support when times get tough.
• Be patient! It takes time to adapt to living with type 2 diabetes. If your loved one makes a mistake or doesn’t seem to be getting over one of the stages listed above, try not to get frustrated. Instead, continue to provide the encouragement and support your loved one needs.

Many people find that talking with others who are dealing with the same problems can be very helpful. You and your loved one may benefit from joining a support group for people with diabetes. To locate a support group in your area, contact the American Diabetes Association.

Caring for yourself

Taking time for yourself will make you a better caregiver

Understanding the emotions your loved one may go through will help you provide the support he or she needs while dealing with type 2 diabetes. You will be the shoulder for your loved one to cry on, but don’t be too surprised if you experience the same emotions that the person with type 2 diabetes does!

You may feel that there is no one to help you, but you are not alone. Talk to your health professional; he or she is often very experienced in dealing with these kinds of issues. In addition, your spouse, a clergy member, friends, and other family members will all be there to support you and to help you support your loved one. You can also join a support group for caregivers.