Being diagnosed with diabetes is one of the worst things that could happen to anyone. Like any other illnesses, it’s something no one wants or deserves. But once you have it, there’s nothing else you can do other than to take medicines for diabetes and to lead a healthier lifestyle.
If you have friends who are currently battling diabetes, one of the best things you can do is be there for them in their time of need. And here’s how you can do that!
Understand the Illness
Diabetes is, in essence, the inability of the body to process glucose the way healthy people do. Glucose is the main source of our body's energy; without it we wouldn’t have the strength to do our daily activities. And to regulate the glucose in our bodies, we need insulin. This hormone is produced by our body to assist the process of glucose entering our body's cells.
With this in mind, you should know that there are two types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is when insulin cannot be produced by the pancreas while Type 2 diabetes is when insulin can be produced but in amounts so small that your body doesn’t respond to it. Both can negatively affect glucose processing in your system.
Ask How You Can Help
Offering a helping hand can come in many forms, such as asking them if they need anything or asking them if they need your assistance in doing something. It may be such a simple thing to do, but it can mean so much to the person you asked it to.
Be Patient
There are days when your friend will really feel awful; these are the times when they’ll need you the most. Oftentimes, you need to be really patient with them, as they tend to be irritable and irascible during these bad days. Blame it on the blood sugar levels affecting their moods somewhat. In fact, if you see them exhibiting the symptoms of hypoglycaemia, which is characterized by low blood sugar levels, offer them a piece of candy or a soda drink to help pull up their blood sugar levels back to normal and lift up their spirits.
Accompany Them
A lot of people go to the doctor alone either because they don’t want anyone to worry about them or because no one offered to accompany them. While this is fine for most, some people (especially diabetics) find it daunting. Which is why one of the best things you can offer them is your company! Offer to accompany them the next time they go to their endocrinologist for their check-up. By doing that, not only will you be knowledgeable about your friend’s condition, but they’ll also have someone there in case they need comfort.
Listen
A person with diabetes is likely to be frustrated about the diagnosis and will have numerous questions about their illness. So better allow them to rant and vent their frustrations, and let them voice out everything on their minds. Don’t give any insensitive remarks or lecture them about what they should or should not do. Just listen. Period.
True friends are those who stick with you through thick or thin. So if your friend is struggling with diabetes (or any illness for that matter), the best thing you can do is to stay by their side—no matter what!