The fight against diabetes and other lifestyle diseases is an ongoing one. The theme of the International Diabetes Federation this year could not be more apt- Diabetes: Protect Your Family.
Most often we do not think of the impact this delibating disease has on families. However, the impact of the disease often spills over, affecting close family members and caretakers. Medical professionals, perhaps do not have the time and resources at hand to also talk about how the family and individual can best cope with stress and anxiety that the health issue brings.
Here we bring into focus, 3 factors that every family needs to know about diabetes.
Discover
Recognize warning signs
Warning signs include a sedentary lifestyle, consumption of processed, refined and packaged foods and unhealthy habits like smoking and high alcohol consumption.
Note risk factors
When one member of the family has diabetes, other members could also have the gene that predisposes them to this condition. In this way diabetes does in a way become a family illness. It would be wise to discuss this with a doctor to clarify at what age family members need to be tested. Early detection can help in prevention or even delay the onset of the disease.
Prevent
Focus on lifestyle
Two very important but often neglected factors in diabetes management are -physical activity and a healthy diet.
Physical activity is key to weight management. However, very often, when a family is sedentary, this can be an issue to a patient affected with diabetes. While other family members are watching TV or lounging around the house, it can be deterring to a family member with diabetes who needs the exercise.
Healthy eating can also be a challenging area. If a family generally eats healthy, then adapting is not too difficult. If not, eating a healthy diet from one rich in simple carbs, processed foods, red meats etc. can be a problem. Very often food habits are handed down from generation to generation. Eating healthy while managing blood sugars is crucial and without family support, healthy meals can be a challenge.
Managing body weight at 10% lesser than the ideal weight is one of the key factors helping manage blood sugars in diabetics. Weight management can be achieved through healthy eating habits and regular exercise. A person diagnosed with diabetes needs to be encouraged in these two areas. Excess weight also increases the risk of other health conditions like- cardiovascular diseases, fatty liver etc.
Manage
What can the family do?
It helps for close family members (spouses/ children) to accompany the patient for check-ups and doctors’ visits. They are then able to get an idea as to what the patient is experiencing and what their needs are at the moment. A doctor- dietitian team can also take the time to explain the necessary changes and focus on their importance. Exercising along with a partner can help keep one motivated. Healthy eating involves cooking for the entire family. A dietitian can discuss these changes with family members so they are aware of the kinds of foods they need to include/ avoid. They can also customize meals based on diet preferences, culture, region etc.
Supporting a loved one with diabetes
It is important that the family member with diabetes feels supported and encouraged. Often along with the physical and psychological impact of lifestyle related diseases, patients tend to feel pressurized or neglected. As a caretaker, make sure you are there to help in whatever way you can. Listen when the patient talks, but refrain from giving unwanted advice, otherwise they may feel overwhelmed and think you are trying to take control. Help out in ways like preparing healthy meals together, exercising or playing a sport. You may also need to remind them to have their medications on time. This is especially important when a patient is unmotivated to make lifestyle changes and is struggling with blood sugar control. It would also help to read up more about diabetes, so you can understand and better help the affected person.
Talk it out
Lifestyle changes, doctors’ visits, monitoring blood sugars etc. can be quite tiring and stressful on the long run. Some times more so for caretakers (spouses/ family members). In this case, it is important to keep lines of communication clear and open. Emotionally both sides are vulnerable to the stress that the disease brings. Family teamwork and coordination can help things go on smoothly. Families need to view the health challenge as more of an experience where they join hands to help out.
Protecting our families from diabetes is a collective challenge and perhaps more so a responsibility. Let’s join hands to keep ourselves and our families healthy!
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