Simple ways to prevent and manage type 2 diabetes

From nationalseniors.com.au

Up to 58% of type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented or delayed, just by making lifestyle changes 

Key Points

• Exercise is key to managing our blood glucose levels, but also it can help improve sleep, which is an underrated area of type 2 diabetes prevention and management. 

• “Plate portioning” helps create a strong foundation for healthy eating: a meal should consist of one-quarter lean protein, one-quarter high-fibre carbohydrates, and half vegetables. 

• Specialist backup and support – including from your GP, Diabetes Australia, a credentialled diabetes educator, an accredited dietitian, or an exercise physiologist – can help you stay on top of your health goals. 

If you’re one of the two million Australians with pre-diabetes, or you’ve been told you’re at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, we have some good news for you. Statistics show that up to 58% of cases can be prevented or delayed – just by making lifestyle changes. 

Better yet, these changes will go a long way to improve your overall health and wellbeing. Here, two experts – a diabetes educator and a health coach – share their easy-to-action tips. 

Just over 1.3 million (or one in 20) Australians are living with diabetes, which Carolien Koreneff, credentialled diabetes educator at Diabetes Australia, describes as “a chronic condition that affects the metabolism of carbohydrate foods in particular”. 

She adds, “Carbohydrate foods get broken down to glucose. Glucose is our main energy source, but if it can’t be utilised properly then diabetes will develop.” 

There are three main types of diabetes. Type 1 is an autoimmune condition that is not preventable. 

“In some people, the body's immune system starts attacking the pancreas,” explains Carolien. “Once the pancreas is destroyed, a person is no longer able to produce insulin, which affects glucose metabolism. And so, people with type 1 diabetes rely on insulin injections or insulin infusions.” 

Type 2 diabetes, however, can often be prevented or managed through lifestyle changes. “Type 2 diabetes is more an issue of insulin resistance. The body still produces insulin, but the insulin doesn't work properly.” 

The third main type is gestational diabetes (GDM), which occurs during pregnancy. 

“Usually, it means that glucose levels are slightly above target. Those targets are very different from targets we have in type 1 and type 2 diabetes because the foetus is very sensitive to glucose.” 

Alongside medication, treatment for GDM focuses on lifestyle changes. 

The symptoms of diabetes, according to Carolien, include the four Ts: tired, thirsty, thinner, and toilet. She says that rising glucose levels result in the need to use the toilet more – and, because of this, people end up thirsty and tired. 

For those with undiagnosed type 1 diabetes, the condition can also lead to sudden unexplained weight loss. 

The risk factors you can and can't change

When it comes to preventing type 2 diabetes, there are some risk factors you won’t be able to change. Age is one factor, says Carolien, with your risk continuing to increase after 40. 

Another is ethnicity and cultural background. People of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Pacific Island, Indian subcontinent, or Asian descent are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. 

Having a family history of the condition, previously having gestational diabetes, or living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are other non-modifiable risk factors. 

So, what can we manage? “The risk factors we can influence include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, inactivity, unhealthy eating habits, and excess weight, particularly around the waist.” 

Embrace exercise for a big pay-off

In terms of ways to prevent and manage type 2 diabetes, it’s no surprise that exercise is high on the list – especially when you consider its positive impact on most of the condition’s controllable risk factors. 

The Australian Government recommends adults do at least 2.5 hours of moderate intensity physical activity a week or, if you’re over 65, 30 minutes on most days.  

Think differently about food

It can feel daunting to be told you need to change your eating habits to prevent or manage diabetes. “People think this means we're going to take all their favourite foods away, but you can still have food that you love,” reassures Phillippa. 

To start with, she recommends creating a healthy foundation with “plate portioning”. This means ensuring lunch and dinner always consist of one-quarter lean protein, one-quarter high-fibre carbohydrates and half vegetables. 

“This is a good balance of the food that helps us feel energised and fuller for longer. This really helps with insulin sensitivity, and you’ll find two hours later there’s a reduction in blood glucose levels. That’s a way people can still include the foods they love that might affect their blood glucose levels but still satisfy their health goals.” 

Keep your support crew close

Want backup to make sure you stick to your new health goals? Set up your own diabetes support team: your GP, Diabetes Australia – whose membership provides access to diabetes-specific information from health professionals like Carolien – and an accredited practising dietitian, like Phillippa, accessed via Australian Unity’s HealthierMe or one you personally source who is endorsed by Dietitians Australia. 

Credentialled diabetes educators (CDEs) can also provide valuable support. This team of professionals can help create a healthy eating plan you’ll actually stick to. 

And finally, remember you don’t have to overhaul your life all at once. As Phillippa says, “Just focus on one thing. One small step will add up over time.”

https://nationalseniors.com.au/news/health/simple-ways-to-prevent-and-manage-diabetes

Dealing With the Fear of Diabetes-Related Complications

From diatribe.org

Diabetes is a chronic disease that can lead to serious health complications including kidney failure, nerve damage, eye damage, heart disease, and stroke. Here’s how three patients described the effects of diabetes complications on their lives.

Long-term health complications aren’t inevitable for people with diabetes. However, it's important for patients to be aware of how the condition affects the entire body and how diabetes-related complications can affect their quality of life. 

Diabetes increases the risk of complications like kidney failure, nerve damage, vision problems, heart disease, and lower-limb amputations. Managing diabetes is already hard enough, and thinking about long-term complications can cause even more stress. We heard from three people with diabetes who described their feelings about potential complications – and how to cope with them.

Patient considers what the future might cost her

Ashley Donahue was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2022 with an A1C of 11%. She was later diagnosed with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), which is a slow-progressing form of diabetes that shares features of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

With diet, exercise, and metformin, Donahue was able to bring her A1C down to 7%. While she doesn’t currently have any diabetes-related complications, Donahue said she understood their impact even before being diagnosed. 

“My boyfriend was his father's caretaker for several years,” she said. “His dad suffered from severe complications [of diabetes like] macular degeneration, neuropathy and loss of mobility, dialysis for his kidneys, gangrene, and abdominal trouble, which unfortunately, ended up claiming his life.” 

Donahue described her own diabetes diagnosis as a surprise, but she felt like she had the support to manage as best she could. 

“Of course, it was a shock when we learned I had diabetes,” Donahue said. “I was determined to turn my diabetes around, or at the very least, successfully manage it.”

Even without current complications, Donahue still voiced concerns about what her long-term health might look like with diabetes when it comes to her future plans for starting a family.  

“I didn't really think too much about motherhood before, but since this diagnosis, it really put into perspective what I want in life,” she said. “I want to live long enough to be old and wrinkly but healthy, thriving, and still kicking it. I want to be a mom who my kids are proud of because they know what I did to get here.”

Learning to cope with multiple diabetes complications

Rachael Chalcraft was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 4 years old. She described feeling like her doctor used fear-based tactics to describe diabetes complications like vision loss and kidney damage. While Chalcraft was aware of them, she didn’t believe that they would actually happen. 

In March 2019, Chalcraft was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy – an eye complication caused by damage to the blood vessels of light-sensitive tissue in the retina. High glucose levels can degrade blood vessels in the eyes over time, leading to decreased vision and even blindness.

“When the resident came in the room after my first hemorrhage and said ‘You have stage 4 diabetic retinopathy’ I just burst into tears,” Chalcraft said. 

“I knew it was bad, but didn't really know a whole lot about it. I didn't know what was going to happen, what I'd have to go through, or whether it was reversible,” she said. “There was a lot of guilt, shame, fear, and worry. I was terrified and the unknown was really hard to deal with.”

Her first year with retinopathy took a toll on her mental health. After her diagnosis, Chalcraft was considered legally blind and had to rely on others to help her with tasks she’d normally do on her own. 

“I couldn't take myself to appointments. I couldn't do basic tasks like grocery shopping or chores around the house. I felt like I couldn't do anything. That was all very hard for me,” she said. 

On top of her vision loss, Chalcraft later discovered that she also had high blood pressure and mild kidney damage. 

“Add on top of that the worry for the future, and the shame and guilt that I had done this to myself,” she said. “My mental health was complete garbage. It was legitimately the worst year of my life.”

Chalcraft said her personal approach is taking each day as it comes, and staying vigilant about other potential complications. She works closely with her doctors to monitor her health and avoid any other diagnoses in the future.

Managing diabetes doesn’t always mean a complication-free life

Some of the most common complications – like kidney failure, nerve damage, and eye problems – can be prevented if caught early on. Other times, diabetes-related health problems crop up no matter how well you’re managing the condition.

TeeAira Averette has lived with type 1 diabetes for 14 years. She watched firsthand as her grandfather struggled with his own diabetes complications, even though he was managing his diabetes as best he could. 

“Watching my loved ones go through it has made me want to take the best possible care of myself for the long haul,” Averette said. 

While she hasn’t been diagnosed with diabetes-related complications, Averette is aware that even with proper management, complications could still be on the horizon. 

Why talking about diabetes complications matters

People with diabetes say that related complications should be at the forefront of conversations about diabetes. Talking about it with friends, family, or other individuals with diabetes can help others relate to the struggles they’re experiencing.

Chalcraft reflected on how the community helped her while she coped with her additional diagnoses. 

“Finding a community that has dealt with the complications I've been diagnosed with really helped me feel less alone,“ she said. 

“Raising awareness is so important so that no one feels as alone as I did,” she said. “Complications isn't a dirty word, and they shouldn't be hidden.”

To learn more about diabetes-related complications and how to handle them, check out these articles:

• Diabetes and Health Complications: What To Know, What To Do, What To Ask
• Liver Disease in Diabetes – An Overlooked Complication
• How to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy When You Have Diabetes
• Heart Failure – The Overlooked Diabetes Complication, Part 1: What and Why?
• Heart Failure – The Overlooked Diabetes Complication, Part 2: Prevention and Management

https://diatribe.org/dealing-fear-diabetes-related-complications

How to Talk to Friends and Family About Your Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis

From self.com

Having the right people in your corner can relieve some pressure

Even though more than 35 million Americans have type 2 diabetes, getting diagnosed with the chronic condition can feel overwhelming. It’s natural to want to turn to family and friends for help, but speaking candidly about your diagnosis can sometimes be tricky in its own right. 

“There’s a stigma attached to type 2 diabetes,” says Camilla Levister, NP, a certified diabetes care and education specialist in the division of endocrinology, metabolism, and bone disease at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Some people who are unfamiliar with diabetes might inaccurately attribute it to a person's lifestyle or assume their weight or eating habits are solely to blame. These are common misconceptions, but the truth is that type 2 diabetes isn’t always linked to a person’s weight or whether they eat sugar. “A lot of patients I speak to have guilt or shame, or they’re worried they’ll be judged by family members,” Levister tells SELF.

Unfortunately, not all loved ones will be receptive toward how you’re feeling—or understand why you’re making certain changes. And you won’t always want to be open with everyone, which is perfectly okay, Alison Ward, PhD, a psychologist at the University of Washington Medicine’s Diabetes Institute at South Lake Union, tells SELF. Your diagnosis is just that: yours. It’s a privilege—not a right!—for other people to know personal details about your health, even if they’re your family members or others you’re super close to.

If you want to talk to loved ones about your condition, it helps to have a plan in place—that way, you can help guide them to understand the facts and how you’re feeling. Here’s how to tell the people in your life about a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

Try to feel confident and informed about type 2 diabetes to help others do the same.

If you’re still wrapping your brain around type 2 diabetes, it may be helpful to hold off on telling loved ones about your diagnosis until you feel more knowledgeable and comfortable about the condition and how you and your care team intend to treat it. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, and American Diabetes Association have lifestyle guides and resources for people who’ve just been diagnosed, including information about symptoms, medications, tests (and how to use them), recipes, and where to find support groups. Knowing the facts about type 2 diabetes can help prepare you to answer tough questions—or address off-base suggestions. 

If you’re working with a primary care doctor, they can also connect you with a diabetes specialist, like an endocrinologist, or a registered dietitian or pharmacist who is also a certified diabetes educator. You can also try a diabetes self-management course—a program that helps you learn to monitor your blood sugar, cook diabetes-friendly meals, and more—if you’re up for it, Dr. Ward says. 

Ask for the floor when it’s time to talk.

Whether you think they’ll be curious or concerned about your diagnosis, Levister recommends making sure you’re heard in full before your loved one responds. This can give you a chance to share what you’ve learned about type 2 diabetes—and squash misconceptions as they arise. 

Here’s a sample script that Levister often encourages folks with diabetes to use when introducing their diagnosis. While it’s a good starting point, feel free to tweak this template based on your unique journey—as well as who you’re talking to:

“I’m telling you about my diagnosis because I care about you and our relationship. I’d like to be able to talk to you about it, so I want to share what I’ve learned so far as I’ve discussed nutrition with my registered dietitian/doctor. They explained that having type 2 diabetes doesn’t mean I can never have sweets or carbs again. Instead, they stressed that I should be mindful of what I’m eating, including my portion sizes. They also said that many of the nutrition changes recommended for people with diabetes are things that are recommended to most people in general, including eating more fruits and vegetables, more fibre, and more lean protein. I want to be clear that I don’t need commentary or feedback on what I’m supposed to eat or how I’m supposed to move. I’m working with my dietitian/doctor to take care of myself. Right now, I would appreciate your support, understanding, and encouragement. If you have any questions about my diagnosis, I’m happy to answer them.”

Ideally, your loved one will be receptive from the start. If that’s not the case, Dr. Ward recommends using the “assertive formula” to help communicate your needs directly. Here’s how it might look in action: 

“It makes me feel [ashamed, hurt, angry, anxious, etc.] when you comment ABC [I ate a specific type of food, I walked for 20 minutes instead of 30, etc.]. In the future, I’d prefer XYZ [you keep judgmental comments to yourself, you trust me to manage my condition, etc.].”

If your friend or family member still isn’t giving you the response you’re looking for, but you still want them involved with your care plan, Dr. Ward says you can consider talking to a family therapist. That person can potentially help bridge gaps in communication when it comes to your diagnosis.  

Be clear about how your community can support you.

Despite their best intentions, family and friends might not know how to be helpful right away. “Sometimes you need to tell [loved ones] what you need from them,” Levister says. Maybe that means watching for potentially dangerous situations: “If you’re on medications that might cause low blood sugar, then it’s good for people around you to know that,” he says, adding that you can tell them what low blood sugar symptoms look like—and when they should step in to help. 

You may also want their company at doctor’s appointments or help prepping meals. (A cooking class could be fun to try!) Or maybe you need someone to validate your emotions when things feel difficult or draining. That part’s key: Frustration that builds up over time can cause problems down the road, like burnout that leads to skipping medications. “Some people keep [their diabetes] to themselves and don’t necessarily share or have expectations of loved ones. It can be a lonely experience,” Dr. Ward says. "Chronic illness is not just your problem. It’s the family’s condition.”

If you’ve chosen to tell someone about your type 2 diabetes, chances are it’s because you know how much they care about you—and how strongly they want you to thrive. Reach out about your diagnosis when you’re ready, but don’t be afraid to ask for support whenever you need it. 

https://www.self.com/story/type-2-diabetes-support

People with type 2 diabetes share how they manage the chronic condition

From yahoo.com

While a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes — a disease in which your body isn’t properly using insulin, resulting in high blood sugar — can feel overwhelming, managing the chronic health condition doesn’t have to be. In fact, there are several choices and behaviours that can help improve your health and make you feel more empowered.

Dr. Sheila Perez-Colon, a paediatric endocrinologist at Kidz Medical in Doral, Fla., who often counsels families about how to handle a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, tells Yahoo Life that even small lifestyle changes, such as watching portion sizes and being physically active, can be instrumental in feeling more in control of a diabetes diagnosis.

“Managing diabetes is a learning process,” says Perez-Colon. “The most important factor is to be open to learning new things and recognize that every day is not the same in the life of a diabetic patient.”

Having a good support system — whether that’s family and friends, online groups, or in-person communities who are also navigating type 2 diabetes — is also key. “Living with diabetes is not easy and requires the support of the family,” says Perez-Colon. “It’s important that other family members get educated on diabetes so as to understand the disease and the affected family member.”

Here, seven strategies — including what’s worked for patients with type 2 diabetes — to help manage the chronic health condition.

Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference with type 2 diabetes. (Design by Quinn Lemmers)

Know how different foods affect your blood sugar

Eating healthy, balanced meals is essential when it comes to managing type 2 diabetes. Talk with your doctor or dietician about their recommendations. One switch to consider: adopting a Mediterranean-style diet — heavy on vegetables, fresh fruits, and fish — which some studies show helps lower blood glucose levels.

It’s also important to know how different foods impact your blood sugar levels. “Learning what foods spike quickly, while others don't, was a very tedious process, but it was absolutely necessary,” Francis Midlyn, who shares her type 2 diabetes journey on Instagram @frannythecook, tells Yahoo Life.

Midlyn says that knowing how different foods affect her blood sugar not only benefits her health, but also helps her when dining out with friends or family. “This way, I'm not stuck just eating at home,” Midlyn says. “If I know what foods spike my numbers, I can use that knowledge when eating out at a restaurant and not have to pay the consequences later.”

Get moving

Exercising regularly is another key way to help keep blood sugar levels under control. “When you exercise, your muscles use sugar (glucose) for energy,” according to the Mayo Clinic. “Regular physical activity also helps your body use insulin more efficiently.”

However, adding more movement to your day doesn’t need to mean taking a daily Zumba class or an all-out session on the elliptical, if that’s not your thing. Studies have found that walking for 30 minutes most days can improve insulin sensitivity and glycaemic control, as well as help reduce excess weight, which is also a type 2 diabetes risk factor. Before starting a new exercise plan, be sure to talk to your doctor.

Find a health specialist who supports you

When it comes to navigating type 2 diabetes, it’s critical to find a doctor who listens to you and can help you develop a lifestyle strategy and medication management plan that works for you. For some, “there is a stigma with medication, so being able to find someone that helps me see the value of the meds I am on has really helped me,” shares Jennifer Clark, who shares the lessons she’s learned while managing her type 2 diabetes under @jens_gettin_healthy on Instagram. “Finding a healthcare specialist that supports me has made all the difference.”

Get into a sleep routine

“Sleep is vital,” Melissa Slemp, who coaches people navigating a diabetes diagnosis under @bloodsugarboss on Instagram and has type 1 diabetes herself, tells Yahoo Life. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, getting less than seven hours of sleep each night can make diabetes harder to manage, such as by increasing insulin resistance and making you more likely to reach for junk food that is high in carbs and sugar. If you’ve been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, consider prioritizing a healthy sleep routine: Set a regular bedtime and wake-up time, avoid screens and bright lights 30 minutes before bed, and consider talking to your doctor about enrolling in a sleep study if you or your partner continue to notice sleep irregularities or middle of the night wake-ups.

Find your reason

Whether it’s living longer for your kids or having more energy, finding a reason to prioritize your health can help you stay motivated. “When everything got locked down during COVID-19, I decided to make a massive move and attack my type 2 diabetes,” Dan Denton, who shares his diabetes management strategies under @diabetesarmy on Instagram, tells Yahoo Life. “I wanted to make changes in my life and influence others as well.”

But that wasn’t the only reason Denton, a former professional wrestler, decided to make his health a priority: “I had two friends lose limbs to [diabetes], and they both ended up passing away,” he says. “It was time to change.”

Denton started counting carbs, and after eight months, added in intermittent fasting. He also did yoga on a regular basis. By sharing his health journey on social media, Denton not only found support and encouragement but also helped inspire others. “I get a lot of diabetics reaching out to me for help,” he says. “I figure if I can just get one person to change their lifestyle, then I have won.”

Use an app

If you always have your smartphone in hand, consider adding a diabetes management app to your phone. Not only can you easily log meals and check blood sugar, but you can also share the data with your doctor and dietician to help you recognize patterns. While some apps sync to your glucose monitor, even having apps that can help educate you on carbohydrate and sugar counts, physical activity, or diabetes management can be helpful. Ask your doctor for recommendations.

Talk it out

A type 2 diabetes diagnosis can take a psychological toll and is not something you have to go through alone. While your doctor can help you map out lifestyle shifts to help control the progression of diabetes, it can also be helpful to speak with a counsellor, therapist, or local support group. Research shows that having diabetes can cause emotional strain, which can negatively affect self-care. Addressing a patient’s psychological needs — not just their physical health — on the other hand can help them improve blood sugar control.

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/how-to-manage-type-2-diabetes-190344546.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAANQz7sPUESO5EhX_LRYMWgCOgtIkC9F4EOIfNoSMzoXNCx7LXo6pzfvXF6Gn4nW1CRx2vxOhTPbFnJfg13oQp1Tr9FHr_-moJ1WOLnkUEz9fYNoam_Yy3gGw4CVWdhYlQOo76-qNX8AGsYGiYhAM8EtL1tQFoUS3d8Qt7bnzxzmm

Supporting Someone With Diabetes: Do's and Don'ts

From verywellhealth.com

The Good Brigade / Digital Image / Getty Images

If you know or love someone who has diabetes, it's important to show your support in a way that is not judgmental or critical. Despite our good intentions, sometimes our actions or comments can make living with diabetes more difficult.

One in 10 people in the United States. (34.2 million or 10.5% of the population) have diabetes, and 88 million people are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. More children and adolescents are also being diagnosed with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes than ever before.

With statistics like these and projected prevalence estimates of 25%–28% by 2050, the odds are that you will know someone with diabetes in your lifetime.

Diabetes can be burdensome. Daily self-management tasks are required to control the disease, making a diagnosis overwhelming. Daily blood sugar tests, medication requirements, analysing data, understanding the interconnection of nutrition, hormones, stress, and exercise are just some of the ways to control blood sugar.

As if the daily tasks aren't enough, people with diabetes are often exposed to diabetes myths, insensitive healthcare professionals, stereotypes, inaccurate information, and sharing of horror stories.

In this article, you will find some of the best ways to support someone with diabetes. You will also learn what you should avoid doing that can be harmful.

Get Educated

Understanding fact vs. myth is important when supporting someone with diabetes. There are many misconceptions about diabetes and diabetes care. For example, common myths include, "People with diabetes can't eat carbohydrates" or "Eating too much sugar causes diabetes." These things are simply not true.

Blaming someone with diabetes for their condition can cause more harm than good. There is no one-size-fits-all plan to diabetes management. Therefore, it's important to consider the whole person when discussing treatment plans.

Registered dietitian nutritionist Mary Ellen Phipps, who is living with type 1 diabetes and is the author of "The Easy Diabetes Cookbook," tells Verywell, "When loved ones take the time and effort to learn about the disease, and specifically understand nutrition recommendations, carbohydrate counting, etc., it is not only super helpful but also incredibly encouraging to people with diabetes."

Go to Appointments and Ask Questions

A great way to get educated is to accompany the person you are supporting to their medical appointments. Make a list and ask questions. This will be especially important if you are caring for a minor or an older person with diabetes.

Topics on diabetes self-management education include, but are not limited to, exercise, nutrition, blood sugar management, medication administration, hypoglycaemia, (low blood sugar), hyperglycaemia, (high blood sugar), and how to deal with illness.

Search for Credible Information

When looking for information, you want to ensure that the information you are receiving is credible.

Organizations such as the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the Association of Diabetes and Education Specialists (ADCES), the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), and the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF) have digestible content that is scientific and reliable.

If you are cruising the Internet and come across other diabetes-related information, make sure it is written by a credentialed professional, such as a registered dietitian (RD), registered nurse (RN), pharmacist, or certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES).

In addition, when searching for a medical team, look for one that has an accredited program and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists on staff. The ADA and ADCES provide accreditation for diabetes education programs. To become an accredited program, organizations must meet rigorous criteria set by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Support a Diabetes Charity or Organization

Taking charge of a diagnosis can often mean finding meaning and purpose in it. Getting involved in organizations that support people with diabetes allows you to work towards the same cause. It increases your power and allows you to gain the courage to face your fears.

Supporting diabetes organizations, whether financially, as a contributor to education or research, or by volunteering, can also be extremely helpful in coping with the disease. Whether the person you are supporting has been recently diagnosed or has had diabetes for a long time, you can find ways to give back and provide support on a larger level.

Find a Hobby That Is Not Diabetes Related

It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day management and unknowingly become an overly persistent source of annoyance by repeating such questions as: What did you eat today? Did you check your blood sugar? Did you take your medicine?

Although these questions seem harmless and are often necessary (especially when caring for a child with diabetes), they are a constant reminder to the person that they have a diabetes diagnosis. Some days it can be nice to take a break from all the questions and take the attention away from the condition.

Consider starting a hobby with the person with diabetes that has nothing to do with diabetes. It can be anything you enjoy doing—fishing, bowling, art, crafts, music, knitting, puzzles, whatever you like. Do it together and make it a routine. You'll find other ways to bond and take some needed downtime.

Listen Actively

Wherever someone is in their diabetes journey, they can face hurdles. And it can be hard to watch them struggle. Perhaps they are struggling with meal planning or are having difficulty accepting their diagnosis.

One way to assist them through hurdles is to let them know that it is OK to ask for help and that you are there to listen to them in a non-judgmental way.

"Seek to understand how someone with diabetes is feeling and don't judge their actions. Until you've walked the journey of diabetes yourself, it's impossible to understand the burden that comes with it," says Phipps.

Sometimes people with diabetes want to talk to someone who gets it personally. You can try to seek support for them through a mentor program or provide them with an inspirational diabetes book about someone who is managing their disease in a positive way. Consider a book for inspiration such as "Type 1 Determination" by Lauren Plunkett.

If they need assistance in areas that you cannot help them with and you are feeling helpless, it is important that you also receive help. Seek out help from your medical team or search for a mental health professional for emotional support.

Things You Should Avoid

Insensitive language isn't helpful. Words can get interpreted differently by different people. People with diabetes are not defined by their disease. They should not be referred to as "diabetic" nor be placed under the microscope while eating.

Because food can directly impact diabetes, it's easy to question choices. This can be harmful. Phipps warns, "Don't be the food police, and don't constantly question their choices. I think what is far more helpful and effective is to ask questions. Ask them why they're doing something and how you can help."

Summary

When you know or live with a person with diabetes, it is important to support them in ways that are positive. Listen actively to their concerns and needs. Avoid insensitive language and questioning their food choices. Join in a hobby that is not related to their condition. Find ways to get accurate and credible information on the condition and get involved in the diabetes community.

A Word From Verywell

Supporting someone with diabetes can be different depending on what the person you are supporting needs. If you are supporting a child who is newly diagnosed, their needs will vary because of their limited understanding of their condition. Adults with diabetes may need help getting motivated, understanding difficult medical information, assisting at medical appointments, or meal planning.

Whatever the person you are supporting needs, it's best to assist them in an empathetic, non-judgmental way.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/supporting-someone-with-diabetes-5206667