When it comes to caring for someone with diabetes, there’s a lot to keep track of—blood sugar levels, meals, medications, exercise, and those sudden moments when something just feels “off” for them.
However, while diabetes management may seem complicated, you don’t have to be a medical expert to make a meaningful difference. With a little knowledge and teamwork, you can feel confident in your role as their support system.
Diabetes: A brief overview
Simply put, diabetes affects the way the body processes sugar (glucose), the main source of energy for our cells.
There are two main types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes – The body doesn’t make insulin, the hormone that helps glucose get into cells. People with Type 1 need insulin every day to survive.
- Type 2 diabetes – The body either doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use it well. This is the most common type and is generally managed with some lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes insulin.
Regardless of type, the goal is the same: keep blood sugar in a healthy range. That’s where you, as a caregiver or support person, come in.
How to care for someone with diabetes
Learn Their Routine
Every person’s plan—what they eat, when they check blood sugar, the medicines they take—can be a little different. The best first step you can take? Listen to them and learn your loved one’s routine and preferences.
- Ask questions: How often do they check their blood sugar? Do they use a meter or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM)? What do the numbers mean?
- Know the medication schedule: Some people take pills, others use insulin, and some do both. Timing is important, so make sure you understand when and how they need their meds.
- Understand food choices: Not all “sugar” is bad, but certain foods can cause spikes. Learn what works for their diet and what doesn’t.
- Find out about exercise: Staying active helps balance blood sugar, but it may also require planning—especially if they’re on insulin, which can cause low blood sugar during activity.
Consider creating a simple checklist or writing the routine down.
Be Ready for Highs and Lows
One of the trickiest parts of diabetes is the ups and downs of blood sugar. When it’s too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia), your care recipient may be at risk. As unnerving as this can feel, recognizing the signs and knowing what to do can make all the difference.
In some cases, they may need to intake fast-acting carbs (low blood sugar), and in others, they may need insulin (high blood pressure). How to respond ultimately depends on their unique care plan—be sure to have this written down or memorized.
Signs of Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia):
- Shakiness, sweating, or sudden hunger
- Confusion, irritability, or mood changes
- Dizziness or weakness
- In severe cases: seizures or loss of consciousness
Signs of High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia):
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Blurry vision
- Fatigue
- In severe cases: nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing (which can signal diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA, a medical emergency)
Support Healthy Habits (Without Being a Lifestyle Police)
Food and exercise are big parts of diabetes care, but nobody wants to feel nagged or controlled. Instead of policing, think about supporting and participating in a healthy lifestyle.
- Cook together: Try balanced meals everyone can enjoy. Focus on lean proteins, veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats.
- Join their exercise: Go for walks, bike rides, or dance around the living room together.
- Plan for treats: Life’s too short to never have dessert. Learn how to work occasional treats into their plan (sometimes pairing sweets with protein can help avoid spikes).
Encouraging Independence
One of the best things you can do for your loved one is help them stay as independent as possible. Even if they need some support, small acts of independence—like checking their own blood sugar or preparing a healthy snack—can boost their confidence and sense of control.
Know When to Seek Extra Help
Sometimes diabetes care goes beyond what you can manage on your own. It might be time to seek extra help if:
- Blood sugar levels are consistently too high or too low despite following the plan.
- Your loved one has trouble remembering to take medication or test their blood sugar.
- You notice wounds or infections (especially on the feet) that aren’t healing.
- They show signs of depression, anxiety, or burnout from managing their condition.
In these cases, talk to their healthcare provider. They may recommend a diabetes educator, nutritionist, support group, or home health nurse.
Frequently asked questions
What is a plan of care for someone with diabetes?
A plan of care is basically a roadmap that helps someone with diabetes stay on track with their health. It usually includes their schedule for checking blood sugar, taking medications or insulin, eating balanced meals, staying active, and seeing their doctor regularly. Some plans also cover what to do if their blood sugar gets too high or too low. Think of it as a personalized guide—created with their healthcare team—that makes daily management easier for both of you.
What is a healthy lifestyle for diabetics?
A healthy lifestyle for someone with diabetes focuses on balance rather than strict rules. It means eating regular, balanced meals with plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Additionally, staying active most days (even simple things like walking or gardening count), getting enough sleep, managing stress, and sticking to any medications or insulin as prescribed.
What foods should a Type 2 diabetic avoid?
While no food is completely off-limits, some things can make managing blood sugar harder and are best kept to a minimum. For example, sugary drinks, heavily processed snacks, fried foods, white breads and pastries, and foods high in trans fat should not be consumed regularly.
The Bottom Line
Caring for someone with diabetes can sometimes feel like another full-time job. If you’re not careful, you might end up burned out.
Remember: You don’t have to do it alone. The California Caregiver Resource Centers are a non-profit network of 11 Centers ready to support caregivers across the state of California.
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