How Families Can Help
Diabetes can affect the whole family; not just the person with
diabetes. People with diabetes have many different feelings
about their illness. Family members may have similar feelings.
People with diabetes will face many challenges. Family members
can be a great source of support in dealing with these challenges.
This section is for you to share with your family members.
What are some of the feelings that people with diabetes may have?
Different people will have different feelings about having diabetes.
Sometimes they may find it hard to believe they really have diabetes. At
other times they may feel angry about having diabetes. They may act angry
at other people when they are really angry at the diabetes. Some people
find they don't cope with other problems as well as they didi before they had
diabetes.
What are feelings family members may have?
Family members may have the same feelings. You may find it hard to
believe that a member of your family has diabetes. It may also be hard to
accept all of the changes that the doctor suggests. You may even feel
angry that 'their' diabetes affects your life. Sometimes you might feel
helpless because you can not fix the problem for your family member.
What can we do about these feelings?
As a family you have faced other problems in the past. Think about how
you dealt with those problems and let that guide you now. One important
thing you can do is have an honest discussion about your feelings. This
will allow you to support each other.
How else can I help?
People with diabetes usually need to make changes in their life. These
changes are not easy, but it can be a lot easier with the support of family and
friends.
Ask how you can support them. Many people find it helpful if those
around them notice the changes they are trying to make. This will help
more than nagging them about things that are not going well. People with
diabetes may feel bad enough without others adding to their guilty feeling.
Some of the changes they are trying to make in the areas of nutrition and
activity would likely be good for you too. Try joining them in the
changes, it may be good for your health too.
Another way to help it to avoid tempting them to get off track. Don't
push them to 'try just one cookie' when they say they would rather not.
Don't suggest they could go to the movie with you today and 'catch up' on their
exercise tomorrow.