It’s not easy for everyone to come to terms with having diabetes. This diagnosis means making significant lifestyle changes. Without proper treatment, diabetes can cause serious long-term issues like damaged blood vessels and a higher risk of heart disease, which can be overwhelming for some people. That’s why your support is crucial for your loved one.
Recent research published in the journal Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome, and Obesity shows that people with type 2 diabetes manage their condition better when their partners are supportive. Your loved one can manage diabetes effectively and live a normal life with the right help. Treating diabetes on time can even increase life expectancy by up to twenty years.
Here’s how you can support your partner in managing and potentially reversing diabetes:
1. **Consult a Doctor**: It’s important not to self-medicate if you’re not a licensed doctor. Initially, take your loved one to see a doctor to get detailed information about medical supplies and insulin therapy. A doctor can also explain how to self-test blood sugar levels, which helps prevent future complications.
2. **Encourage Exercise**: Regular physical activity is key in managing diabetes. Your role is to motivate your partner to exercise at least three times a week. To make life more active, consider taking long walks after dinner, getting a dog, or using the car less often.
3. **Adopt a Healthy Diet**: Healthy eating is crucial. Avoid ordering pizza for dinner and encourage your partner to stick to a healthy meal plan. Avoid high glycemic index (GI) foods like bread, pasta, white potatoes, potatoes, melon, and pineapple.
We should always be there for our loved ones, especially during tough times. Helping your significant other manage diabetes effectively means you can look forward to sharing many more wonderful moments together!