Caring for or living with someone with type 2 diabetes can be challenging. Because the disease often starts in adulthood1, individuals may find it hard to adjust to needing help or to making changes to their lifestyle2. It is important you identify the best way you can support them while taking care of yourself in the process.
Once you get a better understanding of what can happen with diabetes, creating a care plan as a caregiver 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 linked3, 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. Help to make physical activity enjoyable and part of daily life3
- Medication: Help the person you support to stick to the treatment plan prescribed by their healthcare professional. Learn more about the available type 2 diabetes treatments including metformin, DPP-4, SGLT-2, GLP-1 or insulin treatment
- Checking blood sugar: Encourage and remind the person you care for with type 2 diabetes to check their blood sugar. Learn how you can help to monitor their 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
