• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Type 1 Support for my loved one

sharkman7226 said:
I’m new to this and want to learn how to best support my loved one. I’m a big reader and looking for content.
Click to expand...
Hi @sharkman7226 , welcome to the forum.

I think the best way to support your loved one is to ask them what kind of support they'd like.

While some of us are happy with a partner chipping in and being knowledgable about our diabetes, others can perceive this as nagging and yet another person telling us how to manage our condition. Many of us have quite enough of that from parents, endo's, diabetes nurses and random strangers asking "can you eat that?".

The way I feel most supported is by my friends listening to what I share about my diabetes and them assuming I know about my condition.
I also feel supported if I'm asked what foods I'd prefer if we're eating together. There are many different approaches to handling T1, so make sure you don't assume it's the same for all of us.

So my advice is to ask your partner if they like you asking questions about their diabetes.
If they do, learn from your partner, if they don't, leave it up to them.
 
jonathan183 said:
Learn how to spot and deal with hypos ... everything else is down for the two of you to agree ;)
Click to expand...
Only if the partner isn't capable of dealing with hypos on their own.
Personally, the last thing I want while hypo is someone bothering me, no matter how good their intentions, unless I specifically ask for it.

So just like all else, ask if they would like your help before assuming!
 
My partner knows very little about diabetes but she still supports me by being there when I need her ! Bit like life really , I assume by you saying your new to it ! Your partner is new to it also or you have a new partner , which ever is true , just find out as @Antje77 what your partner needs , what I will say is don’t try and overthink it , diabetes is a strange animal at times and a huge learning process not only for your partner but for you too , and as in life easier if things are shared
 
This site and the forum is great and you will get much of the info you might need, IF your lovely one is presenting 'normally' and that may not be the case.

It will depend on your relationship, but there is that awkward/embarrassed/guilt felt by both sides if the non-diabetics tries to 'help' by for example buying what they perceive is a good (alternative) to something they used to like/eat/drink frequently. My idea of low carb vs my husband's is very different, and having to explain why the 'skinny' hot chocolate he bought me for Christmas was not 'suitable' for my way of controlling my blood sugar was horrible for both of us. So unless they specifically ask you to search for an alternative, don't!

There is also a very fine line between 'appearing disinterested' and leaving someone alone, and on the flip side, not letting them feel 'normal' and going on about diabetes when they are trying for 2 seconds to think about something else for a change!

I'd be honest, and ask which approach they would like, pro-active support, or silent supporter; until you both get into a new routine with all the knowledge you need to deal with things, it will be hit and miss. But do read all you can, so that you can support an offer knowledge when needed.

Good luck to you both, those early days are hard, so don't beat yourself up for not being an instant endocrinologist!
 
Back
Top