What Can You Do for Your Diabetic Friend?

“A friend in need is a friend indeed”; you must have heard the proverb. Now, it is also the time to apply this in real life to support your friend’s healthy life. Being a diabetic comes with lifestyle struggles and tension, especially when you are at a young age (Celik et al., 2023). This time, rather than saying “Oh, come on, one bite of dessert will not hurt!”, be the one to encourage your friend to skip the dessert.

Be There: Understand What Your Friends Feel

Most people with diabetes balance more than their food diets; there are also restrictions, emotional control, and awkward social situations, they have to be part of every day (Berenguera et al., 2016). As a friend, it is your responsibility to support this journey, which feels natural and kind, rather than feeling sympathy and pity.

When everyone is enjoying extra chutney with their doi phuchka or eating 2 rosogollas in a minute, saying NO feels abnormal or rejection of love. Further, checking the sugar level in public? Spotlight awkwardness.

At those times, guilt trips in: “What cannot I be normal or spend my day like others do!” Also comes frustration on others, as they think you will not understand their struggle, and they can also lash out their pent-up anger on you. In such times, you have to be understanding that diabetes can be emotionally demanding. Make them feel supported by this, but never different.

The Power of Everyday Support

The best support you can offer to your friend is subtle and steady gestures. Here are a few small things that make a big difference:

●       Pick restaurants with healthy or balanced options.

●       Never tempt them with “just one” sugary treat.

●       Offer to walk together after meals, which can be healthy for both of you.

●       Join them in trying new, healthier recipes.

●       Share their load, skip having cold drinks; it not only removes isolation for your friend but is also really good for you.

●       If they are feeling low, please check in and be there as a listener.

Do’s and Don’ts When Supporting a Diabetic Patient

There are things you should do and should not do. Here is the list:

Do:

●       Ask how they are doing and listen to what they have to say.

●       Celebrate small wins like improved readings or achieving their weekly goals with a healthy sugar-free treat.

●       Encourage regular check-ups and medication without lecturing.

●       Offer to accompany them to a walk or yoga class.

●       Respect their boundaries when they say “no” to certain foods.

●       Include them in normal “addas” (get-togethers) and laugh the same laugh.

●       Ask them if they need help to carry something, without assuming.

Do Not:

●       Saying things like, “You cannot eat that, right?”; it can make them feel so different from normal.

●       Joke about sugar or cravings.

●       Push sweets during festivals or birthdays.

●       Offering any random “home cures” or advice from the internet.

●       Treat them differently in group plans.

When Your Friend Has a Low or High

Diabetes is a roller coaster ride. Sometimes, your friends can be very dizzy, shaky, or tired. All of these could be a sign of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar ) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) (Paluchamy, 2019). You should also be informed about the conditions so that you can be helpful in those situations without panic.

When they are low (Hypoglycemia)

At this time, they can be shaky, sweaty, or confused. You should stay calm and follow these steps:

●       Offer juice or glucose tablets, or biscuits, anything to fill 15 grams of carbs fast.

●       Wait for 10-12 minutes and then recheck.

●       Always stay beside and assure that your friend is not alone; you are there.  

When they are high (hyperglycemia)

At this time, they can be thirsty, feel tired, and have blurry vision. Here are the steps that can be taken during this time:

●       Suggest water

●       Take your friend to rest

●       Call for a doctor if the rating is more than 300 mg/dl or ketones.

Emotional Support:

Burnout is easier to get with all the changes. Be the one who listens and reminds them that they are doing great. Encourage shared laughter, hobbies, and normalcy, without making them feel different.