How Support From Friends and Family Can Improve Type 2 Diabetes Management

If you’re taking diabetes medication and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you might assume that you’re doing everything you can to keep your blood sugar levels in check. But there’s one part of a good treatment plan you might be overlooking: a social support system.

• Better compliance with diet and exercise plans, especially when family members were preparing meals
• Improved psychological well-being and social engagement
• Better blood sugar control
• Improved self-management behaviors, such as taking medication as directed, administering foot care, and monitoring glucose

“Clearly, family members and friends play a crucial role in helping people with diabetes succeed and live a healthy and happy life,” says Omar El Kawkgi, MD, an endocrinologist, assistant professor of medicine, and associate diabetes program director at University of Kentucky HealthCare in Lexington.

What’s more, social support can help alleviate diabetes distress, the term used for the emotional state of people when they’re overwhelmed by managing the condition, according to Dr. El Kawkgi. “People with diabetes are much more likely to have greater success when they feel less distressed,” he says.

The bottom line: Close, supportive relationships could help improve the way you manage diabetes. Here are a few ways they can do so.

Social support can make type 2 diabetes more manageable in several ways.

Friends and Family May Help You Feel Less Alone

You may feel a sense of camaraderie when your family members and friends take the time to learn about diabetes, says El Kawkgi.

Plus, if an emergency were to arise, such as a rapid drop in blood sugar levels, you may feel better knowing you “can rely on family members or friends to spot the signs and symptoms and can offer help or know who to call for help,” he says.

They Can Make the Same Lifestyle Modifications Alongside You

“I find it very helpful for my patients when the family is also willing to make dietary changes,” says Gene Arnold, CDCES, a clinical dietitian specialist and certified diabetes educator as well as the program manager for the self-management training program at Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Diabetes Center in Baltimore. “The same applies to an exercise plan, whether this is a brisk walk in the evening or a more intense workout.”

It’s best when family and friends support rather than influence, he says. “Changes that come from within the individual are more likely to stick.”

They May Help You Keep Up Your Healthy Habits

“Patients with diabetes are more likely to stick to their treatment plan when they have social support from those around them,” El Kawkgi says. After all, it’s a lot easier to maintain a healthy diet when your family is eating the same meals. Likewise, it might be extra motivating to go for a walk when a friend is going with you.

El Kawkgi says that having a chronic condition can take over many aspects of your life — something that could cause you to feel isolated and overwhelmed. “Asking for help when needed is a key part of living healthy with diabetes,” he says. “Recognizing signs that it is time to ask for help is the first step towards getting help.”

If you’re feeling signs of “diabetes burnout,” such as frustration and discouragement, you may need more help. “This is a state of physical or emotional exhaustion that is caused by the continuous distress of having a chronic condition and the efforts to manage it,” El Kawkgi says.

If you aren’t close with friends or family, there are still plenty of ways to build a support network, El Kawkgi says. “Healthcare providers can provide a listening ear and help point people with diabetes towards [other] resources.”

“Additionally, there are online forums, social media network groups, and other virtual communities where people with diabetes can share their experiences, discuss coping strategies, and simply support each other,” he says.

There’s no denying that managing diabetes can be difficult, but there is hope if you are willing to seek help. “It’s best not to be discouraged by small setbacks,” El Kawkgi says. “You are not alone.”

• Building a strong social support system with friends and family can improve type 2 diabetes management by promoting better self-management behaviors and overall health outcomes.
• Loved ones' involvement can help address feelings of isolation and distress related to diabetes, reducing the risk of burnout and helping maintain compliance with a treatment plan.
• When experiencing emotional or physical exhaustion related to diabetes management, communicate with your healthcare providers and support network for guidance and encouragement.
• Online forums and local support groups are valuable resources for those lacking a close-knit social circle, providing a platform for sharing experiences and coping strategies within the diabetes community.