How to Support a Loved One with Diabetes

7 July 2025

Having a loved one with diabetes can sometimes feel overwhelming. You want to help, but you might not always know the best way. Should you remind them to check their blood sugar? Should you avoid talking about their diet?

The good news is that your support can make a huge difference! Diabetes isn’t just a physical condition—it affects emotions, routines, and daily decisions. By being there for them in the right way, you can help them manage their condition while strengthening your relationship. Let’s dive into some practical ways you can provide meaningful support.

Understanding Diabetes: More Than Just Blood Sugar

Before you can truly support someone with diabetes, it helps to understand what they’re going through.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar (glucose). There are two main types:

- Type 1 Diabetes – The body doesn’t produce insulin, requiring daily insulin injections.
- Type 2 Diabetes – The body either doesn’t use insulin properly or doesn’t produce enough, often managed through diet, exercise, medication, or insulin.

Regardless of the type, managing diabetes involves monitoring blood sugar levels, making healthy food choices, staying active, and sometimes taking medication. It’s not just about avoiding sweets—it impacts almost every aspect of daily life.

How to Support Without Being Overbearing

There’s always a fine line between helping and hovering. Your loved one already faces enough pressure, so your support should feel encouraging rather than controlling.

1. Educate Yourself About Diabetes

One of the best things you can do is learn about diabetes. Understanding what causes blood sugar spikes, how insulin works, and what symptoms of high or low blood sugar look like can help you offer meaningful support.

You don’t need to be an expert—just knowing the basics can help you avoid giving unhelpful or frustrating advice.

2. Offer Emotional Support Without Judging

Managing diabetes can sometimes feel exhausting. Some days are harder than others, and your loved one might feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or even guilty.

Instead of saying things like, “Should you be eating that?” try something more supportive, like:

- “I know managing diabetes isn’t easy, but I admire how hard you work at it.”
- “I’m here for you no matter what.”

A little encouragement goes a long way in helping them feel less alone in their journey.

3. Be Mindful of Food Choices Without Being the Food Police

A common misconception is that people with diabetes can never have sweets. The truth? They can enjoy their favorite foods in moderation, as long as they manage their overall carbohydrate intake.

Instead of controlling what they eat, try these approaches:

- Cook diabetes-friendly meals together – This makes healthy eating fun rather than restrictive.
- Offer healthier alternatives – Instead of banning dessert, consider lower-carb options like fruit with Greek yogurt or dark chocolate.
- Avoid guilt-tripping – No one wants to feel like they’re being watched constantly. Let them make their own choices.

4. Encourage an Active Lifestyle—Together

Exercise is incredibly beneficial for managing blood sugar levels, but it’s always more fun with a partner. Instead of nagging them to exercise, find ways to get moving together.

- Go for a walk after dinner.
- Try a fun activity like dancing, swimming, or cycling.
- Join a fitness class together to make it a shared experience.

By making it a team effort, they’ll feel supported rather than singled out.

5. Recognize the Signs of Low and High Blood Sugar

Sometimes, diabetes can cause sudden drops (hypoglycemia) or spikes (hyperglycemia) in blood sugar. Recognizing the symptoms can help you step in when needed.

Signs of Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

- Shakiness
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Extreme hunger

If this happens, encourage them to eat a fast-acting source of sugar, like fruit juice or glucose tablets.

Signs of High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)

- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Headaches

If their blood sugar stays high, they may need to take medication or adjust their insulin.

Being aware of these signs ensures you can help in case of an emergency.

6. Accompany Them to Doctor Appointments (If They’re Comfortable)

Medical visits can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially with all the information provided. Offering to go with them—if they’re okay with it—can be a great way to show support.

You can take notes, ask questions, or just be there for moral support. Sometimes, simply having someone listen helps them feel less alone in their health journey.

7. Help Reduce Stress and Promote Self-Care

Diabetes and stress don’t mix well. High stress levels can lead to increased blood sugar levels, making management more difficult.

Encourage relaxation by:
- Watching a funny movie together
- Practicing mindfulness or meditation
- Helping with daily tasks to lighten their load
- Planning fun, low-key activities to take their mind off things

Sometimes, the best support is simply creating a space where they can relax and feel at ease.

8. Be Patient—There Will Be Ups and Downs

Diabetes isn’t a perfect science. Even when they do everything right, their blood sugar levels might still fluctuate. Instead of frustration, offer patience and reassurance.

Remind them that:
- They’re doing their best, and that’s enough.
- Small setbacks don’t define their overall progress.
- You’re in this together, no matter what.

Support means standing by their side even on the hardest days.

Final Thoughts: Small Actions, Big Impact

Supporting a loved one with diabetes doesn’t mean controlling their every move. It’s about being their cheerleader, their safe space, and their steady hand when they need it most.

By educating yourself, offering encouragement, and making diabetes-friendly choices together, you can help them manage their condition while strengthening your bond.

At the end of the day, diabetes is just one part of who they are—it doesn’t define them. And with your support, they’ll never have to face it alone.