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A diabetes diagnosis can be difficult to come to terms with. Diabetes comes with the risk of complications like heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, and strokes. Besides, managing it takes commitment and can be exhausting and overwhelming. Anyone with diabetes needs a rock-solid support system to stay motivated and stress-free. That’s where you come in. If you have a spouse with diabetes, here are five action points you can follow. They will help you be a supportive partner so that you can navigate this condition together.
Be Involved, but Not Overbearing
The key is balance. You want to take an interest in your partner’s diabetes and be invested in their health. At the same time, you need to be careful that you don’t take overall control. Allow your partner to experience a sense of agency in dealing with the diagnosis.
Brainstorm Diabetes-Management Ideas Together
Lifestyle changes like diet and exercise are a big part of managing diabetes but are often the most difficult. If you can, try eating healthy with your partner. Think of activities you can both do together such as gardening, hiking, an exercise class, or cooking a healthy meal together. Getting involved at this stage shows your partner that you’re right there in the trenches with him/her.
Allow Your Partner to Set the Pace
Your partner will not be able to make all lifestyle changes together. He/she may have to slowly build up to a routine of healthy eating and exercise. Don’t push him/her too hard. Be encouraging and supportive as he sets the pace for this new normal.
Talk Through Turbulent Feelings
Fluctuating sugar levels might cause irritability, confusion, and extremely short tempers. Navigate these mood swings and complex emotions by being open, communicative, and generous. Practice being a good listener. A lot of couples find that speaking to a therapist helps them establish ways of communicating in a healthy way.
Discuss Sexual Problems Together
Sometimes, diabetes causes sexual dysfunction. This can be demotivating and often causes other problems in your relationship. Be patient with your partner, allow him/her to be vulnerable, and be open about what you’re both going through. Discuss alternative ways of expressing intimacy.
