How to Support a Diabetic
When it comes to having a chronic illness, it can feel very lonely. Often times, our loved ones want to support us but can’t relate to what we’re going through and may struggle because of that. Below are the best ways to support that person in your life who has diabetes.
Avoid offering advice and just listen. If we are coming to you with our “diabetic problems” we most often are not seeking out a solution but instead just needing a listening ear. Simply validating what we are experiencing is powerful.
Give time and space for us to recover from highs and lows. Swift changes in our blood sugar can affect our energy levels and sometimes have us feeling drained. We may need some time to just relax and recover from bad blood sugar days.
Do your own research on diabetes. Many diabetics are open to sharing their experiences and answering any questions you might have but if the question can be answered with a quick google search, go that route.
Avoid saying these things:
“Can you eat that?” Diabetes is easier to manage with a well-balanced diet; however, diabetics absolutely can eat dessert, pizza, donuts, etc., and still manage their blood sugar.
“Which is worse type 1 or type 2?” Neither is really worse or better, all types of diabetes present different challenges.
“My grandma/cat/dog has diabetes!” It’s just not very relatable…
“But you’re not fat?” Diabetes doesn’t have a certain shape, size, or look.
Don’t offer us any “cures” or advice to help with blood sugar management. We’ll ask for advice if we want it.
Check in with us. We might not always want to discuss how we are managing our diabetes but just checking in with us and being there for us during hard times means a lot.
Just ask! Everyone is different in terms of what they need to feel supported while living with diabetes. It will be helpful to ask that person how they would like to be supported.
Comment below if there’s some other great ways to support diabetics!