Caring for or living with someone with type 2 diabetes can be
challenging. Because the condition 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 condition 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 glucose control and avoid
health complications. Make enjoyable physical activity part of their
daily life
-
Medication: Help the person you support to stick to the
treatment plan prescribed by his or her healthcare professional
-
Checking blood glucose: Encourage and remind the person you
care for to check their blood glucose. Learn how you can help to
monitor their blood
glucose control
