6 Ways Friends and Family Can Support You With T2D

Most of the time, your friends and family mean well regarding your type 2 diabetes. But there are suggestions for what to say or do that could help them better support you.

I will share 6 ideas for family and friends who want to support their loved ones on their type 2 diabetes journey.

1. Be mindful of unsolicited comments or feedback

Many believe that reminding someone what not to do or eat is helpful. However, this can come off as nagging and have the opposite impact.

Family and friends may be inclined to think that you're not making the "right" decisions. But, unless they are also dealing with type 2 diabetes, they probably don't realize how complicated diabetes management is. What works for some doesn't work for others, and making the "right" decision isn't always straightforward.

Unless the person you're supporting asks you specifically to help remind them to keep their choices "in check," refrain from unsolicited comments.

2. Encouragement works best

Encouraging loved ones with type 2 diabetes to make nutritious food choices differs significantly from nagging. Eating balanced meals and snacks daily is hard enough in any scenario, but for the newly diagnosed person with type 2 diabetes, it is even more challenging.

When you're out to dinner together, join your friend and order the side salad instead of the french fries that come with the meal. It's through these actions that show you have empathy for what they're going through.

3. Maintain a positive attitude

Being positive is never a bad thing. It leads to encouragement and understanding. Your friends and family should know that positivity is essential in your journey with diabetes. Because, let's face it, you already know the health risks that type 2 diabetes brings to the proverbial table, so any time you hear encouraging words from your support system is good.

4. Make exercise a social activity

Exercise is a great way to help you along your type 2 diabetes journey. If a friend or family member can partner up with you, it makes exercise feel less like a chore and more like a social activity. The time may go by faster during workout sessions when you're with a friend. Even if you're going for a walk together, that's a fabulous exercise that will help you burn calories and maintain a healthier weight.

5. Attend doctor visits to provide support

Sometimes you just need someone in the doctor's office with you. If your friend or family member can go with you to an appointment, they'll better understand what you are going through. Not only that, but they can share in your accomplishments or help you remember everything that the doctor said.

6. Know the signs of hypoglycemia

As a support person to a loved one with diabetes, it's essential to know the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). As someone with diabetes, having people in your corner who you can trust to care for you in your time of need is essential. You may not always be able to attend to extremely low blood sugar yourself.

That's where friends and family come in. They may notice you're acting differently. They can also help you in a time of need if your blood sugar gets too low. Explain to them what to do if this happens.

Advocate for yourself with your network

Your friends or family may feel helpless when you are first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes - and that's normal. But by doing some of the things mentioned here, they can really help you along the way.

It may seem complicated to bring up these topics with certain people, but if you're having an issue with someone nagging, explain to them how that is not helpful. Instead, share with them about positivity. Or, talk to them about eating healthier and exercising more with them. If they see how much you are trying, the nagging may stop.