Introduction<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Living with a partner who has diabetes can be challenging at times. The condition, especially if it\u2019s only recently been diagnosed, may change<\/span> your lifestyle, your role and even how you see your future. You might be confused about how exactly to support a partner with diabetes. If you are confused <\/span>Here are some tips and advice about how you can respond to the challenge in a positive, effective manner. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Studies show just how beneficial the right kind of support can be for a person living with diabetes. The support required will vary from person to person, but effective communication will help you find out what your partner needs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The main message you probably want to get across to them is that because you want to help, they can always be open about how they feel and the kind of support they need. Reassure them that they can talk to you honestly and that you will listen.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n It is equally important that you can express your own feelings and needs too.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s a lot you can do to help. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Why not find out about diabetes yourself? Learning about the condition will help you to understand your partner\u2019s experience.<\/span> You could go to medical appointments or dietitians’ visits with them and ask any questions you may have. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n One thing that is useful to know is how to recognise the signs of a drop in a person\u2019s blood glucose levels.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n A person living with diabetes whose blood glucose levels have dropped too low might not be well enough to realise what\u2019s going on. It\u2019s important for their partner to be able to spot the early signs of low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia) because if the condition is untreated it can lead to seizures, unconsciousness and death. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the initial signs and symptoms include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t already know what to do in such circumstances, make sure you speak to a doctor or diabetes educator to find out.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Another thing you can do is to suggest ideas to help your<\/span> partner manage their diabetes.<\/span> These might include joining a gym or finding out about the nutritional management of the condition. Maybe you think that joining a diabetes support group would encourage them to talk about their emotions and connect with people in a similar situation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Always check that your partner is happy for you to help. <\/span>Make it clear that you\u2019re confident in their ability to handle things.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Diabetes may affect your sex life. The condition can increase a man\u2019s risk of problems such as difficulties getting an erection and decreased sex drive. For some women, diabetes-related vaginal dryness may make sex uncomfortable. Diabetes can cause fatigue, which might make a person simply too tired. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n If diabetes does affect your sex life, good communication is key.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n We all have mood swings, and stress can make them more frequent and intense. Having diabetes can certainly be stressful: the challenges of managing a serious condition can be difficult to cope with.<\/span> Furthermore, if diabetes is not well-managed, fluctuating blood glucose levels can cause mood swings.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s possible that your partner will experience changes in mood. If this occurs, try to stay calm and find out how they really feel so that you can understand and support them. If they don\u2019t want to talk, don\u2019t put pressure on them or criticise them.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Your partner may now have to test their blood glucose levels or inject themselves with insulin. They probably need to learn new information about subjects such as diet and exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n All of this takes time, and they may feel tired and distracted, so give them the time and space they need. <\/span>Remember to give yourself the time and space that you need, too.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Supporting a person who\u2019s dealing with an illness can be stressful. It can take a toll on your own health.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n You might experience:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n You owe it to your partner and yourself to avoid burning out.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some tips on doing that.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Building your new healthier lifestyle together can bring you and your partner closer.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Maybe you could both join a gym or go jogging. <\/span>Or you could plan and prepare diabetes-friendly meals<\/span><\/a>. Go to medical appointments together, and learn about managing diabetes such as <\/span>lowering cholesterol<\/span><\/a>. Perhaps you could both attend a diabetes group. Healthy eating benefits everyone, not just people living with diabetes. A nutritious diet can be very effective in managing diabetes as it helps to keep your blood glucose levels within a healthy range, which reduces the risk of developing diabetes-related complications. If you\u2019d like to find out what constitutes a nutritious diet, take a look at the Australian Dietary Guidelines<\/span>\u202f<\/span>Healthy Eating for Adults<\/span><\/a>.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Stress management is also important. If we are consistently under stress, the pancreas releases a hormone called glucagon into the bloodstream, which eventually increases blood glucose levels. Fortunately, it\u2019s not that difficult to counteract the effects of stress, and there are many ways that you and your partner can do this together. You could learn mindful meditation, do some exercise together or learn a new skill. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n While every relationship is different in terms of the roles and responsibilities of the individuals within it, living with someone with diabetes can be challenging.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n However, there are many effective ways of supporting a partner with diabetes. Making sure there is open and sensitive communication and learning more about diabetes can be a big help.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n For the person living with diabetes, it\u2019s also important to accept as much effective support as possible. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Life!<\/em><\/span><\/i> is a free healthy lifestyle program that helps people prevent type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. The program is for people who are at risk of these conditions. (People living with diabetes are not eligible for the program.) You can choose from a group course or our telephone health coaching service and you\u2019ll learn more about nutrition, physical activity and stress management. You can also check your eligibility for the program by taking a quick online test<\/span> here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Life!<\/em><\/span><\/i> is funded by the Victorian Government and managed by Diabetes Victoria.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nSupporting your partner: tips for managing blood glucose levels together <\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Positive actions to help your partner<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Discussing sexual problems<\/b><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Discussing mood changes and how to handle them<\/b><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Allowing your partner time to manage their diabetes<\/b><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Self-care<\/b><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Healthy lifestyle choices: the importance of diet, exercise and stress management in diabetes management<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How the <\/b>Life!<\/em><\/i><\/b> program can help you<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Life!<\/em><\/span><\/i> is run by experienced health professionals, including dietitians and exercise physiologists, who guide and support you to make realistic healthy lifestyle changes that suit your needs. The program includes 7 sessions delivered over a 12-month period.<\/span>
<\/span><\/i>Learn more about the program at <\/span>www.lifeprogram.org.au<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n