Learning that your child, spouse, parent or even friend has been diagnosed with diabetes can be very difficult to comprehend. You may feel anger, sympathy or remorse when you receive the news. However, you now have a job that is essential to the wellness of your diabetic. You must provide the acceptance, love and support that will guide your loved one on the road to controlling his or her diabetes and living a healthy life.

Understanding the Coping Process

As discussed in Coping with Diabetes, newly diagnosed diabetics will often experience many of the same emotions as those grieving a death. These emotions may include denial, anger, guilt, fear, depression and finally acceptance. All six of these emotions are perfectly normal; however, it is important that you learn more about these stages and be able to identify them in your loved one so that you are better prepared for and recognize the sign that he or she may be reaching an unhealthy state of being. For example, recognizing that not eating or not sleeping are signs of depression will allow you to take the necessary steps for keeping your loved one from further emotional suffering. Likewise, you will want to understand these stages because it is likely you will experience them along with the newly diagnosed diabetic. Through understanding, you can better anticipate your diabetic’s response to such emotions. For more information about the coping process, access the Coping with Diabetes link.

Changing for the Better

As someone who loves and cares for the diabetic, one of your main goals should be keeping a positive outlook. It is going to be difficult for your friend or family member to adjust to the changes with which he or she will soon be faced. The last thing you want to do is react negatively to any of the impending changes. If you react selfishly, it is possible that the guilt and anger your loved one feels will only intensify. Instead, try to adapt with your loved one to the changes. Consider beginning an exercise program the two of you can do together or offer healthy meals as alternatives to your regular Friday night ritual of fast food. Let your loved one know that this diagnosis does not mean the end to your old, comfortable way of life; rather, it is the beginning to a healthier life for the both of you.