Family and Diabetes
“Love begins by taking care of the closest ones – the ones at home”
It’s important to take a moment to reflect on this quote while we observe World Diabetes Day on 14th November, as the theme this year is Family and Diabetes.
Photo by Nicole De Khors from Burst
Diabetes can leave a big impact on the family of the person who has the illness, which is why it’s important to arm ourselves with the knowledge to support and care for our loved ones.
Did you know that Diabetes was responsible for four million deaths in 2017? That equates to someone dying from Diabetes every 8 seconds!
More people are developing diabetes and are at risk of life-threatening complications. To stay healthy, they have to learn how to monitor and control their blood sugar levels. People who don’t control their blood sugar levels can develop serious health problems, such as blindness, nerve damage, and kidney failure. However, complications can be avoided with good management and care. This is why family support is key.
Let’s look at some ways we can help our loved live well with Diabetes.
Help them make healthy diet changes
Featuring Ipoh Hor Fun
Healthy-eating rules are the same for everyone, including people who have diabetes. Eat foods that are low in fat, cholesterol, salt and added sugar. Choose a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and fish.
Read our blogpost to learn more about diet management in Diabetes.
Encourage exercise
You can try exercising together. Walking, jogging, bicycling and swimming are all good activities that will help both of you get enough exercise. You should talk to your loved one’s doctor to find out what kind of exercise to try.
Spot the problem!
Learn the symptoms of a high blood sugar level (called hyperglycemia) and low blood sugar level (called hypoglycemia). Understand that when your relative is very irritable or has a bad temper, their blood sugar level may be too high or too low. It may be hard for the elderly and those with cognitive issues to recognise health problems. Rather than getting upset, check their blood sugar level and take steps to correct the problem.
Read ways to correct Hypo or Hyperglycemia episodes here.
Doctors know best
Bringing your family member to regular check-ups will help you support their diabetes more effectively. Their doctor could discuss medication changes and help remind you about testing times to help them stay on track. They would also conduct regular diabetes tests to see if they are managing their sugar levels well.
Remember, living with and caring for someone with diabetes may not be easy, but a loving and supportive family unit who understands the situation and is not afraid to ask for help can help make the journey a lot easier.
Looking for diabetes friendly meal plans? Check out our healthy ready-to-eat meals that come in 4 different textures.
Now, you've learnt tips on caring for someone with diabetes, watch the recap below!
References:
IDF Diabetes Atlas Ninth edition 2019, idf.org/aboutdiabetes/what-is-
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