How Can I Help Care For My Family Member With Diabetes?

The first step in the process is to learn about the disease. The more educated you are, the more you are going to be able to help your loved one. This is especially important when your loved one moves in with you. As you go through the learning process, encourage your relative to educate themselves with you in case they have forgotten or may not know some of this information.

The second step is to be as sympathetic as you possibly can with your relative about their disease. Some patients become scared when they learn they have been diagnosed with diabetes, so they may need as much support from you as possible. Your relative may also feel frustrated with the lifestyle changes they may have to endure, including moving in with you as a result of their diagnosis. Explain to your relative that you have an understanding of their feelings and what they are going through. However, it is important that you do not allow your relative to use these feelings or frustrations as an excuse for not properly caring for their diabetic needs.