Managing diabetes alone is one thing. <\/p>\n
But when it impacts a relationship, it\u2019s an entirely different story because it becomes a part of your partner\u2019s life too. <\/p>\n
Dealing with diabetes is never easy, but there are both pros and cons to going through it with a significant other. <\/p>\n
The good news is that studies have shown that a supportive partner can help better manage the disease and the teamwork involved can actually bring couples closer together.<\/p>\n
Because a relationship is a two-way street, it\u2019s important not only to understand how diabetes affects you, but how it affects your partner as well. <\/p>\n\n\t
\u201cA partner\u2019s support makes a big difference to the patient\u2019s management of the disease. A partner\u2019s support and coping as a team, gives the diabetic more confidence in his or her ability to stick to diets and to exercise and to gain better overall health. The quality of the marriage too benefits from this type of joint coping.\u201d1<\/p>\n\n\n
People diagnosed with diabetes experience a wide range of physical symptoms and emotions \u2013 fear, anger, depression, denial, shock and guilt. It\u2019s an emotional and physical rollercoaster that affects not only the patient, but everyone around them. <\/p>\n\n\t
Diabetes takes an emotional and physical toll. It\u2019s very common for a significant other to worry about the following issues:<\/p>\n\n\t\n
If you don\u2019t talk about these issues, the stressors that result can affect your relationship. The good news is that there are many ways to strengthen your bond as you learn to navigate your new normal.<\/p>\n\t\n\t\n\t
Every couple is different. What may seem helpful to some may seem like nagging to others. It\u2019s important to understand each other\u2019s roles and temperament and plan accordingly. There is so much that can be done together, but also so much that can tear apart. It\u2019s important to understand the role and keep an open line of communication to avoid unnecessary conflict and irritation. Managing diabetes requires a complete life change for both parties involved. An assessment and change of diet, exercise, sleep and overall mental health is needed. It may require a complete life change, but it can be one that benefits both of you. <\/p>\n\t\t\n
Communication is vital. It\u2019s important to talk about the elephant in the room. Name the condition and talk about the details and all that it entails, especially when its impact reaches beyond just the couple.<\/p>\n\t\n
Education is Key. The better your partner can understand diabetes, the better it can be managed. It\u2019s important to learn the facts about diabetes and understand the numbers. Both of you should learn about the danger of high and low blood sugar levels and the relationship between food, diet and exercise. Introduce your partner to the many resources available online and take them to appointments to learn even more. <\/p>\n\t\n
Be supportive, encouraging and work together to set goals. Setting small goals, identifying barriers and overcoming obstacles together can create a healthier and happier life. Most importantly be patient because there will always be ups and downs. <\/p>\n\t\n\t\n
Sometimes all the planning in the world doesn\u2019t help and couples can still feel out of sync. Whether the diagnosis is new or has been around for a while, adding a third party may help and seeking additional support may be a necessary option. Communicating with family members, confiding in friends, talking to other couples or seeking professional help from medical specialists, dieticians and counselors may be an alternative. <\/p>\n\t\n
The point is that receiving a diabetes diagnosis does not have to derail one\u2019s life and relationships. Communicating regularly, expressing support and working together to solve issues can increase the odds of successfully managing diabetes and protecting relationships. <\/p>\n\t\n\t\n\t
Living with diabetes takes daily effort, a strong support system and continual education. Finding the answers is not always easy but knowing where to start is the key. Establishing a pool of trusted resources that can be accessed at any time is an important first step to creating a strong support system. At Quest Health Solutions, we vow to be one of those trusted resources always. To learn more, contact us at 1-877-888-7050 Option 3, Ext. 1011, email ben@questhealthsolutions.com<\/a> or schedule an appointment today<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\t\n 1)\t(2017). Scroll.in. Diabetes Can Be Hard on a Marriage. Available at Click Here<\/a> accessed on 5 February 2022. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Managing diabetes alone is one thing. But when it impacts a relationship, it\u2019s an entirely different story because it becomes a part of your partner\u2019s life too. Dealing with diabetes is never easy, but there are both pros and cons to going through it with a significant other. The good news is that studies have … <\/p>\n