A review published in September 2017 in the journal Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland) found that family support could play an important role in improving diabetes management and treatment. It had a positive impact on overall health and symptoms in people with type 2 diabetes and was associated with the following:
A healthy dietImproved psychological well-beingBetter blood sugar controlImproved self-management behaviors, such as taking medication as directed
“Clearly, family members and friends play a crucial role in helping people with diabetes succeed and live a healthy and happy life,” says Omar El Kawkgi, MD, an endocrinologist with Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. What’s more, the review found that social support can help alleviate diabetes distress, the term used for the emotional state of people when they’re overwhelmed by managing the condition, according to Dr. El Kawkgi. “People with diabetes are much more likely to have greater success when they feel less distressed,” he explains. The bottom line: Close, supportive relationships could help improve the way you manage diabetes. Here are a few ways they can do so. They may help you feel less alone. You may feel a sense of camaraderie when your family members and friends take the time to learn about diabetes, says El Kawkgi. Plus, if an emergency were to arise, such as a rapid drop in blood sugar levels, you may feel better knowing you “can rely on family members or friends to spot the signs and symptoms and can offer help or know who to call for help,” he says. They can make the same lifestyle modifications alongside you. “I find it very helpful for my patients when the family is willing to make dietary changes, [too],” says Eugene Arnold, CDCES, a clinical dietitian specialist and certified diabetes educator as well as the program manager for the self-management training program at Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Diabetes Center in Baltimore. “The same applies to an exercise plan, whether this is a brisk walk in the evening or a more intense workout.” It’s best when family and friends support rather than influence, he says. “Changes that come from within the individual are more likely to stick.” They may help you keep up your healthy habits. “Patients with diabetes are more likely to stick to their treatment plan when they have social support from those around them,” El Kawkgi says. After all, it’s a lot easier to maintain a healthy diet when your family is eating the same meals. Likewise, it might be extra motivating to go for a walk when a friend is going with you.
How and When to Ask for Support From Your Loved Ones
El Kawkgi says that having a chronic condition can take over many aspects of your life — something that could cause you to feel isolated and overwhelmed. “Asking for help when needed is a key part of living healthy with diabetes,” he says. “Recognizing signs that it is time to ask for help is the first step towards getting help.” If you’re feeling signs of “diabetes burnout,” such as frustration and discouragement, you may need more help. “This is a state of physical or emotional exhaustion that is caused by the continuous distress of having a chronic condition and the efforts to manage it,” El Kawkgi says. When you’re feeling burned out, you may feel less engaged with your treatment and less motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle, he says. You may miss appointments, stop taking your medications, or even develop depression. El Kawkgi recommends talking to your healthcare provider and your support network of family and friends. Or you might benefit from sharing your experience with others who have diabetes. If you aren’t close with friends or family, there are still plenty of ways to build a support network, El Kawkgi says. “Healthcare providers can provide a listening ear and help point people with diabetes towards [other] resources.” These include the American Diabetes Association’s nationwide Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support network and local support groups that include patients with diabetes, healthcare providers, and other members of the diabetes community. “Additionally, there are online forums, social media network groups, and other virtual communities where people with diabetes can share their experiences, discuss coping strategies, and simply support each other,” he says. There’s no denying that managing diabetes can be difficult, but there is hope if you are willing to seek help. “My advice would be to not be discouraged by small setbacks,” El Kawkgi says. “You are not alone.”
