When someone you love is first diagnosed with diabetes, your stress level may be high as a result of the lifestyle changes you may need to help your loved one make. You can't take care of anyone else if you don't take care of yourself first. This brochure lists some suggestions on how to take care of yourself while caring for someone with diabetes.
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FOR CAREGIVERS
Care for the Caregiver
When someone you love is first diagnosed with diabetes, your stress level may be high as a result of the lifestyle changes you may need to help your loved one make. For instance, you might join him or her with healthier eating and exercising. You'll also want to make sure your loved one is taking medicine as prescribed by the doctor so that his or her blood levels stay steady.
But as time goes by, this "new normal" may become more stressful. He or she may have diabetes-related complications that require more doctors' appointments or visits to the hospital. You may find you're taking days off from work or changing your daily routines. You might find yourself getting irritable and tired. In short, you may start feeling burnt out.
Remember: You can't take care of anyone else if you don't take care of yourself first. Check out this list of suggestions.* They'll not only give you a sense of well-being, but may help you be a better caregiver, too.
*This information is provided as general knowledge only and is not medical advice.
If you have questions or concerns, you should talk to your health care professional.
For additional resources, ask your care manager.