Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects over 37 million Americans. The disease requires daily self-management, which can be both challenging and stressful. If you have a loved one who has diabetes, you may wonder how you can best support them and help them cope with their condition. Here are some tips on how to be a supportive and caring partner, family member, or friend to someone with diabetes.

1. Learn about diabetes. The first step to supporting someone with diabetes is to educate yourself about the disease, its causes, symptoms, complications, and treatments. You can find reliable information from reputable sources, such as the American Diabetes Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. You should also always consult a doctor or a qualified healthcare provider about ways to prevent or treat diabetes. By learning about diabetes, you can better understand what your loved one is going through and how to help them manage their condition.
2. Encourage healthy habits. One of the best ways to support someone with diabetes is to encourage them to adopt healthy habits, such as eating well, being physically active, monitoring blood sugar levels, and taking medications as prescribed. You can do this by being a positive role model, joining them in healthy activities, praising their efforts, and offering practical assistance. For example, you can help them plan and prepare diabetes-friendly meals, accompany them to doctor’s appointments, remind them to check their blood sugar and take their medications, and provide them with diabetes supplies, such as blood pressure monitors, diabetic testing supplies, compression socks, and other items that can help them manage their condition.
3. Listen and empathize. Living with diabetes can be emotionally challenging, as it can affect one’s mood, self-esteem, and mental health. People with diabetes may experience feelings of anger, frustration, sadness, guilt, fear, or isolation. They may also face stigma, discrimination, or misunderstanding from others. As a supportive person, you can listen to your loved one’s feelings and concerns, validate their emotions, and empathize with their struggles. You can also help them cope with stress by suggesting healthy ways to relax, such as meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, or hobbies. You can also encourage them to seek professional help if they show signs of depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues.
4. Respect their autonomy. While you may want to help your loved one with diabetes, you should also respect their autonomy and independence. People with diabetes are ultimately responsible for their health and well-being, and they may have different preferences, goals, and needs than you. You should avoid being judgmental, critical, or controlling of their choices and behaviors, as this can damage your relationship and undermine their confidence. Instead, you should ask them how they want to be supported, respect their decisions, and support their goals. You should also acknowledge their achievements and celebrate their successes, no matter how big or small.
5. Join a support group. Supporting someone with diabetes can also be challenging and stressful for you, as you may have your own worries, fears, or frustrations. You may also feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or isolated by the demands of caregiving. That’s why it’s important to take care of yourself and seek support from others who understand what you’re going through. You can join a support group for partners, family members, or friends of people with diabetes, where you can share your experiences, learn from others, and get emotional and practical support. You can find online or in-person support groups through various organizations, such as the American Diabetes Association, Diabetes Daily, Diabetes Sisters, and Diabetic Connect.
6. Respite Care. Respite care is a type of temporary care that provides caregivers with a break from their responsibilities and it can be an invaluable support system for individuals acting as caretakers for someone with diabetes. Caring for a loved one with diabetes is a demanding and continuous responsibility that often requires constant attention to blood sugar levels, medication management, and lifestyle adjustments. Respite care offers a temporary break from these responsibilities, allowing caretakers to recharge both physically and emotionally. This period of relief enables caregivers to prioritize their own health, reduce burnout, and maintain a sustainable level of care for their loved one with diabetes.
7. Be flexible and adaptable. Diabetes is a dynamic and unpredictable condition, which means that your loved one’s needs and challenges may change over time. You should be flexible and adaptable to these changes and be ready to adjust your support accordingly. For example, your loved one may experience changes in their blood sugar levels, medications, diet, exercise, or complications, which may require different types of support from you. You should also be prepared for emergencies, such as low or high blood sugar episodes, and know how to recognize and respond to them. You should also keep yourself updated on the latest research and developments on diabetes and be open to new ideas and approaches that may benefit your loved one.
8. Have fun and enjoy life. Supporting someone with diabetes does not mean that you have to give up on having fun and enjoying life. On the contrary, you should make time for activities that bring you and your loved one joy and happiness, such as hobbies, entertainment, travel, or socializing. Having fun and enjoying life can help you and your loved one cope with the stress and challenges of diabetes and strengthen your bond and relationship. You should also remember that your loved one is more than their diabetes, and that they have many other qualities, interests, and talents that make them who they are.

Supporting someone with diabetes can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, as you can make a positive difference in their health and well-being. By following these tips, you can be a supportive and caring partner, family member, or friend to someone with diabetes, and help them live a healthy and happy life.