How To Support Loved Ones With Diabetes 

Last Updated:July 18, 2025, 11:22 IST

Helping your loved ones amid their struggle with support and understanding could play a critical role in their journey of overcoming diabetes eventually.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body either doesn’t produce sufficient insulin or can’t effectively use the insulin it produces. The ineffective insulin usage could lead to high blood sugar levels, causing serious health complications, including heart disease, kidney damage and even vision-based challenges. High blood pressure can be a silent killer if not addressed in the long run. But not just one’s body, diabetes also impacts relationships, causing troubles to the individuals dealing with diabetic patients and hurting connections and bonds.

As a parent or a partner, you can’t leave your loved ones to themselves while they’re battling diabetes. Why, open and honest communication with diabetes patients is key, as it helps foster understanding, build a support system and reduces stress in the arduous journey of overcoming the disease. If, as a family, you understand and respect your loved one’s struggle with diabetes, it decreases the sense of annoyance you feel while also gaining more clarity on how to help them.

Once there, family members can play a big role in managing the diabetes by helping the patient make the right dietary choices that provide overall benefits to the body and critically, reduce the blood sugar levels. If your loved ones don’t feel they have your support in this journey, they may feel frustrated and face emotional strain that can be damaging to your relationships. Here is a step-by-step guide on how you can support your dear ones during their diabetes struggle.

Choose The Right Time And Place

Before you think of discussing and helping someone with their diabetes, choose the right time and place to do so. A quiet, peaceful area where you may engage in diabetes-related talks without interruptions is the way to go. Don’t rush to help when you are overly worried or the other person is undergoing heavy stress.

Educate Them

If your loved one has diabetes, it is natural to start educating yourself about the disease. But it is equally important to provide adequate knowledge to those struggling with it, outlining its effects on the body and how to effectively manage the problem. Providing your loved one right study materials and medical advice could be handy.

Be Honest

Creating an atmosphere of support and understanding through honest and free communication is necessary. Let your loved ones know you are there for them in every way possible. Be it the meal planning, the emotional cushion, or just to have a normal and relaxing conversation when needed. This way, the patients will be able to comfortably open up about the emotions they go through while dealing with diabetes.

Plan Of Care Involvement

Include your dear ones with diabetes in your regular plan of care and fitness routines, if you are comfortable. It further instils a sense of ease about their struggles, helping them discuss the right fitness and health strategies. Disclosing your food choices can encourage them to practice the right intake as well and open the gates for diabetes-related talks and blood sugar readings.

About the Author

Nishad Thaivalappil

Nishad Thaivalappil is a Lifestyle and Entertainment Journalist with almost a decade-long odyssey in the realms of movies, music, culture, food, and travel. He leads the Lifestyle desk at News18.com. Besides ha…Read More

Nishad Thaivalappil is a Lifestyle and Entertainment Journalist with almost a decade-long odyssey in the realms of movies, music, culture, food, and travel. He leads the Lifestyle desk at News18.com. Besides ha… Read More

view comments

First Published: