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How To Help A Friend Or Loved One With Diabetes

Author: Share Lawyers
by Share Lawyers
Posted: Sep 02, 2017

Has someone close to you recently been diagnosed with diabetes? About 7.5 percent of the Canadian population lives with Type 2 diabetes (with a projected 10 percent by 2020), so the chances that someone you care about lives with the condition is becoming more and more likely.

A diabetes diagnosis, while usually very manageable, often means the beginning of some very big life changes. This can be a scary and confusing time for many, and having to cope with the changes alone can seem very daunting.

Offering your help, or even joining in with their lifestyle changes, lends much-needed support. Here are some simple ways that you can assist:

The More You Know

Learning more about Diabetes is an important first step. Your loved one will need to be versed in the ins and outs of treatment and management, however being alone with this knowledge can feel alienating. By having a better understanding of the condition, you’ll also be more prepared to deal with heading off dangerous symptoms and treating them if they arise. For example, recognizing the symptoms of a low blood sugar crash - often easier for a friend than it is for the person experiencing the attack - can be life-saving.

Working Towards Goals

Though Diabetes management eventually be-comes a factor in everyday life, getting used to these new changes can be challenging. Selecting goals to work towards is often a good first step. Whether that goal is eliminating soda, increasing the intake of nutritional foods, losing weight or monitoring blood sugar levels on a regular basis - the more these activities become a pattern, the easier they will be to incorporate into the day-to-day.

Encourage your loved one to set goals for themselves, check in on them, and celebrate (in a healthy way!) once those goals have been reached!

Join In The Change

Working towards a shared goal with a partner can make all the difference - and there are a lot of common changes that those with and without Diabetes can make together. Being active is a great way to spend time together and work towards a positive intention of managing Diabetic symptoms. For both you and your loved one, light activity regulates blood glucose, blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels. It’s a win for everyone!

Taking long walks, playing tennis or even taking the stairs more regularly is a challenge that you can both take on.

Lending your support post-diagnosis will show your loved one that you are an ally in their life-long management of diabetes. Not only can it strengthen your relationship, your encouragement can make a difference in their health and habits.

Resources:

https://www.diabetes.ca

https://www.diabetes.org

This information is brought to you by Share Lawyers, Ontario's Leading Disability Insurance Lawyers.

[All names and identifying details have been changed to protect the confidentiality of all involved.]

About the Author

Share Lawyers was established in 1987 with only the highest standards in legal representation. We believe that every disability insurance claim client deserves superior personal service.

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Author: Share Lawyers

Share Lawyers

Member since: Dec 07, 2016
Published articles: 6

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