If your loved one has, or is at an increased risk to type 2 diabetes, and their medical situation is fairly complicated or extensive, you may offer to look after their wellbeing by taking on the role of caregiver. However, Pilar Poal, PhD, a licensed psychologist in the suburban Philadelphia office of the Council for Relationships says ‘Diabetes is a ‘high-maintenance’ illness that requires ongoing monitoring, intervention, and adherence to specific dietary and lifestyle requirements’ and it’s not easy to cope. ‘It can take a toll on patients and caregivers, unless their physical and emotional needs are also attended to on an ongoing basis,’ Poal says.
So, as a caregiver, how does it affect you? Various studies show that caring for someone increases your stress levels, and also puts you at a greater risk of dying earlier than someone who doesn’t have such stress. Whether it’s intentional or not, the responsibilities of caring for a person with diabetes can make you neglect your own physical and emotional needs. This is ‘not a ‘luxury’ but essential to providing continued care and support,’ Poal explains. Your emotional wellness, for example, can suffer, which leads to ‘Social withdrawal, depression, irritability and anger’.
Firstly, lower your stress levels by understanding what you’re dealing with. It’s hard enough coping with the news that someone you love has diabetes, let alone not knowing what to do on top of that. Therefore, get as much information as possible about type 2 diabetes and the type of care your loved one needs from a doctor, diabetes educator, clinic or online. Once you know what your loved one needs from you, make sure that you know what you need too. If you notice that you’re neglecting yourself in favour of caring for your loved one, step back and take stock of what’s happening because you can’t care for anyone if you don’t take care of yourself first.
Finally, if you’re caring for your spouse, Poal says it’s crucial to communicate because ‘In these situations, certain relationship roles shift as a result of the illness and it helps to find ways to rebalance the relationship so that both partners can be caretakers and caregivers of each other in some way.’ Also, Poal advises ‘Developing a network of family, friends, and community resources is an important step towards minimizing your stress’ but specificity is crucial, as an outsider may not know exactly what you need. ‘It may be that you need help with a specific task, or an errand or just someone to take over for a few hours so that you can take a break,’ she says. You need the space to take a walk, visit with friends, or go to the gym, as well as making sure you eat well and rest enough.
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