Caring for or living with someone with type 2 diabetes can be
challenging. Because the disease starts in adulthood, individuals may
find it hard to adjust to needing help or to make changes to their
lifestyle. It is important you identify the best way you can support
them while taking care of yourself in the process.
If you are new to caring for an adult with type 2 diabetes, start by
learning about
the disease and how to recognise type
2 diabetes complications.
Once you get a better understanding of what can happen with diabetes,
creating a care plan together with the person you support is a good
place to start. You can write it together, with help from their
healthcare professional if needed, to ensure you cover all the
essentials. Your care plan could include:
-
Meals: Diet and type 2 diabetes are closely linked, so it is
important to balance what, when and how much the person you care for
eats, and to help him or her make
healthy choices
-
Being active: Regular
exercise helps improve blood sugar control and avoid
health complications. Make enjoyable physical activity part of his
or her daily life
-
Medication: Help the person you support to stick to the
treatment plan prescribed by his or her healthcare professional.
Learn more about type 2 diabetes GLP-1
or insulin
treatment
-
Checking blood sugar: Encourage and remind the person you
care for to check his or her blood sugar. Learn how you can help to
monitor his or her blood
sugar control
-
Taking care of yourself: Taking care of someone requires you
to be in good condition, and this means prioritising your own needs
too. Make sure you eat and sleep well, monitor your stress levels
and reach out for support when you need it