It’s a Family Affair

For people with diabetes, things are pretty straightforward. There are certain things you must do such as take insulin and medication, and other things you should do like staying physically active. But if someone close to you has diabetes, things can be a bit murky. What are your responsibilities? When should you get involved? And when is it best to just back off?

The answers to these questions are not straightforward. Some people require extensive help tending to their diabetes on a daily basis—young children and people with disabilities, for example. Others are highly independent and may become defensive when people throw in their two cents. Regardless of your specific situation, here are five ways to help your loved one with diabetes.

Build your knowledge base

The more you know, the better you will be able to support your loved one. In particular, learn about the causes of diabetes, the short-term and long-term health implications,