Helping someone with any health concerns can be a daunting task. Some conditions can be more likely to occur than others, too.
However, record numbers of people were at risk of type 2 diabetes in 2020, with obesity rates growing alongside. It’s safe to assume that things haven’t fared much better since then. Lockdowns may have caused some people to favour being inactive, for example.
Because of how increasingly common type 2 diabetes is becoming, it’s worth considering how you can help those in your life who are touched by it. You’ll find some quick tips below.
Recognise Your Limits
Helping someone with any health condition is a big responsibility. Despite your noble goals, the most important thing you can do from the outset is to recognise the limitations your help can provide.
Unless you’re a trained medical professional, there will be some situations when you’re out of your depth. Having useful resources to recommend can help your friend or family member enormously in those circumstances. Do some independent research to see where they can receive the quality care they need.
For example, reputable places online can guide your loved ones on everything they need to know about type 2 diabetes medication and what types are available. You can read through these resources yourself, enabling you to understand more about the condition and highlighting your ability to empathise. Type 2 diabetes gets worse over time, so remaining diligent on the resource front is advisable and a great way to keep the dialogue going without being pushy.
Monitor Their Behaviour
Many people attribute mood swings or energy crashes to people ‘just having one of those days’. However, it’s estimated that millions of people with diabetes don’t know it, and one of the symptoms is unexpectedly feeling tired or even grouchy.
If your friend or family member takes a similar turn, it could be a sign that they need to manage their diet a little better. A shot of insulin should suffice where that’s not possible due to the condition’s progressive nature.
Reminders should be present delicately here. After all, you don’t want to risk drawing their ire or putting them off self-care with incessant badgering (teens may respond in such a way). Instead of issuing orders, frame your reminder as a polite curiosity to keep the situation pleasant and help resolve matters faster.
Attend Support Groups with Them
People with type 2 diabetes can feel isolated in their experience. Surrounding them with people who are going through the same thing may be able to lift them out of depressive episodes.
Give them lifts to and from dedicated support groups. Here they will have the opportunity to meet new friends, receive lifestyle recommendations, and vent any negative emotions off their chests. It can be a release, in some ways, and the power of that isn’t to be underestimated.
You may even be allowed to sit in these meetings in some circles. Record the proceedings or take notes. Pick up any leaflets they hand out and store them for later use at home. Who knows, perhaps you will receive inspiration and ideas on how to provide better support for your loved ones and learn to empathise with their plights better?
