Tips for supporting a loved one suffering from diabetes.

When a family member is diagnosed with diabetes, it doesn't just affect them.  Oftentimes, this chronic condition changes the lives of close family members and friends as they strive to offer help and support.  If a loved one has been diagnosed with diabetes, here are some of the things you need to keep in mind. Understanding the Disease To support your loved ones, it's important to understand what diabetes is.  People who suffer from diabetes have the inability to process sugar in their blood.  This prevents their bodies from turning sugar into energy and allows sugar to build up in their bloodstream.  Over time, this excess sugar can cause serious issues such as nerve damage, heart disease, blindness, stroke, kidney failure, and so on. Supporting Diabetes Sufferers If a loved one has been diagnosed with diabetes, it's important that you remind them that their condition does not have to compromise their lifestyle.  You can help your loved one manage their condition by doing the following:

• Eating Together- Maintaining a healthy diet is a key component of managing diabetes. Eating with your loved one is a great way to help them keep their eating on track.  A balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean protein is not only good for people with diabetes; it's great for everyone's health!
• Encouraging Exercise-Staying active is also an important part of managing diabetes symptoms. You can support your loved one by being their exercise partner and encouraging them to get moving, even when they lack motivation.
• Watching Out for Problems- Finally, you can help your loved ones by watching out for signs that indicate a blood sugar imbalance. Symptoms of high blood sugar include frequent urination, extreme thirst, blurry vision, and fatigue.  Symptoms of low blood sugar include fatigue, inability to speak or think clearly, sweating, twitching, and passing out.  By watching out for these symptoms, you can be proactive about helping your loved one keep their blood sugar levels within a healthy range.

These are some of the things that you can do to support a loved one who has been diagnosed with diabetes.  Want another way to care for your loved ones?  Then make sure you have the right health insurance protections in place.  For assistance with all your personal coverage needs, contact the experts at East End Insurance Agency today.