Effects of Type 2 Diabetes on a Family

When an individual gets diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, it can affect his entire family. While you may not be the one who has to monitor blood glucose levels and adjust nutrition habits, you may have to adjust your schedule, meals, and lifestyle to provide support to your family member. However, the more you understand about diabetes, the easier it will be to manage your family life.

Disease Identification

• Diabetes is caused by the body's inability to make or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to move glucose from your blood stream into your cells to be used for energy. When your body cannot create or misuses insulin, blood glucose levels rise and begin to cause damage to the blood vessels and nerves leading to further health complications. The health complications can put strain on the entire family, as they try to lend support during difficult medical challenges.

Nutritional Considerations

• Eating well is an important part of diabetes control. It is not about eating a special diet, but just a balanced, healthier diet. This way of eating can be beneficial for the entire family by limiting sugary foods and eating more fruits, vegetables and fiber. Changing eating habits is difficult for everyone, especially the diabetic who must do this to stay healthy. Getting everyone involved in healthy meal planning and eliminating unhealthy food temptation is the best approach to making permanent changes.

Exercise Considerations

• Exercise plays an important role in lowering blood glucose levels. Exercise benefits everyone, not just the diabetic. Consider activities you can all do together, like walking, jogging, bike riding, or playing games like soccer or football. The more everyone can be involved in exercise, the easier it will be to stick to it.

Warning

• Sometimes, family members feel as though they are being unfairly restricted when they are not the ones struggling with the disease. Dietary changes, stress about their family member, getting involved in an exercise routine may all cause feelings of resentment, despite being positive changes. The fact is that not everyone will be ready or able to join into these health changes. Talk about your feelings and encourage open dialogue about the changes that will benefit the entire family.

Significance

• The responsibility of managing diabetes is up to the individual struggling with it. However, some family members take on the role of caregiver, which can sometimes be helpful. However, in other situations, this leads to rebellion on the part of the diabetic, who doesn't want restrictions placed upon him. Allow him to be responsible for his own disease management, while being supportive and helpful.