Accepting a diabetes diagnosis isn’t always easy. It requires significant lifestyle changes. Without treatment, diabetes can lead to serious complications like damaged blood vessels and a higher risk of heart disease, which can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to support your loved one during this time.
A recent study highlighted in the journal *Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome, and Obesity* found that people with type 2 diabetes manage their condition better when their partners are there for them. With timely treatment, individuals with diabetes can manage their condition effectively and even extend their life expectancy by up to twenty years.
Here’s how you can support your partner in managing and potentially reversing diabetes:
1. **Seek Professional Guidance:** Don’t try to treat diabetes on your own if you’re not a licensed doctor. The first step is to accompany your loved one to their doctor to get detailed information about medical supplies and insulin therapy. The doctor can also teach them how to monitor their blood sugar levels, which can prevent future complications.
2. **Encourage Physical Activity:** Regular exercise is crucial for diabetes management. Motivate your partner to work out at least three times a week. Consider incorporating more physical activities into your daily routine, like taking long walks after meals, adopting a dog, or using the car less often.
3. **Promote Healthy Eating:** Healthy eating is key. Avoid ordering unhealthy foods like pizza for dinner. Encourage your partner to follow a nutritious meal plan and avoid high-GI foods such as bread, pasta, white potatoes, melons, and pineapples.
Your support can make a significant difference in your loved one’s health journey. Be there for them, help them manage their diabetes, and share many more wonderful moments together!