Nearly seven percent of Americans have diabetes, a serious and increasingly common disease that often causes cardiovascular, vision and kidney disease. But while diabetes isn’t curable, it is controllable. And good healthcare can prevent life-threatening complications.

The supportive family and friends of people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are in a class by themselves. We call these caregivers “Type 3s.” Your role as a type 3 may range from hands-off, verbal support of your loved one to 24-hour-a-day care. Whatever you do, people with diabetes have a greater chance of achieving and maintaining good blood glucose control – thus delaying complications – when they are surrounded by supportive friends and family members.

If you find yourself in the role of a caregiver for someone with diabetes or if you just want to know how to be more supportive, you will find information here that will help you achieve that goal from the relational aspect of caring for someone to the practical side of managing diabetes every day.

Roles and Responsibilities
The job of the caregiver should be well-defined. Find out how.

Understanding the Patient with Diabetes
If you are taking care of someone with diabetes, either as a parent, loved one, or a member of their support network, it’s important to understand both the disease and the challenges it creates. Find out more.

Special Needs of Aging Parents/Children
Different stages of life require different methods of care. Find out about the specific needs of the very young and the elderly.

Talking to the Doctor
Managing diabetes effectively requires open and productive communication with your loved one’s health care provider. Learn what questions to ask.

Motivating Your Partner
When it comes to being a caregiver, there’s a fine line between being a nag and being a good coach. Find out how you can best help your loved one stay on track.

Caregiver Wellness
Taking care of you is just as vital as taking care of your loved one. Get tips on staying well.

Food and Nutrition for the Household
The right food for a person with diabetes can be the right food for the whole family. Learn how to keep a healthy kitchen, not only for your loved one with diabetes, but for the whole household.

Importance of Testing
Blood sugar can be a tricky thing. It does not always do what you want when you want it to. That’s why regular testing is key to achieving and maintaining good blood glucose control. Learn more about it.

Complications and Other Risks
Diabetes carries with it the risk of developing a number of complications. Find out more about the risks and learn more about diabetes-related complications.

Understanding the Numbers
Tests, tests, and more tests. What do all the numbers mean? Learn more about interpreting these results.

For more information and resources on this topic go to:

http://www.caringtoday.com/deal-with/the-diabetes-caregiver-guide