Caring for a Loved One with Type 2 Diabetes

 A Guide for Caregivers – Featuring CONTOUR®PLUS ELITE: With proper care and support, people living with type 2 diabetes can lead full, healthy lives.

 

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What Is Type 2 Diabetes and Why It Matters Arrow icon
Why It’s Important to Monitor Blood Sugar Regularly Arrow icon
Caregiver Tips Arrow icon
Simple Lifestyle Changes Arrow icon
Know When It’s Time to Seek Medical Help Arrow icon
Caregiver Self-Care: You Deserve Support Too Arrow icon

What Is Type 2 Diabetes and Why It Matters

Type 2 diabetes is a long-term health condition in which the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t effectively use the insulin it does make. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels. When insulin doesn’t work properly, sugar builds up in the blood, leading to a variety of health problems over time.

Managing type 2 diabetes requires a combination of healthy eating, regular physical activity, taking medications or insulin (as prescribed), and keeping track of blood sugar levels. With proper care and support, people living with type 2 diabetes can lead full, healthy lives.

 

Why It’s Important to Monitor Blood Sugar Regularly

Monitoring blood sugar levels helps you and your loved one understand how their body is responding to food, medication, and physical activity. Regular checks allow early detection of dangerously high or low sugar levels, helping to prevent serious complications such as nerve damage, kidney issues, or heart disease.

Recommended Blood Sugar Targets1:

  • Before meals: 80–130 mg/dL(4.4-7.2mmol/L)
  • 2 hours after meals: Less than 180 mg/dL(10.0mmol/L)

By staying within these target ranges, your loved one can better manage their diabetes and reduce the risk of complications. Tracking results over time also helps doctors make informed decisions about medications or treatment plans.

Learn more about monitoring blood sugar levels with CONTOUR®PLUS ELITE.

 

Caregiver Tips: How You Can Make a Difference Every Day

As a caregiver, your support plays a crucial role in your loved one’s health journey. Here are simple yet meaningful ways you can help:

  • Assist with daily blood sugar checks. Some people may forget or feel overwhelmed doing this alone. You can help by reminding them or assisting with the process, and writing down the results or uploading them into an app.
  • Watch out for symptoms of high or low blood sugar:
  • High blood sugar (hyperglycemia): Your loved one may feel extremely thirsty, tired, or need to urinate more frequently.
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Look for signs like shakiness, dizziness, confusion, or sweating.
  • Help manage medication schedules. Ensure your loved one is taking medications or insulin as prescribed. Use tools like pillboxes or phone alarms to avoid missed doses.
If your loved one has difficulties taking their medicine or prefers self-medicating, remain calm and positive. Encourage positive reinforcement and involve a healthcare provider, involve a healthcare provider to explain why proper adherence is important.
 

Simple Lifestyle Changes That Make a Big Impact

Healthy daily habits are essential for managing diabetes. You can gently guide your loved one by:

  • Choosing healthier foods: Encourage meals that are low in added sugars, low glycemic index and rich in fiber, like leafy greens, whole grains, legumes, and lean proteins.
  • Promoting regular physical activity: Even a 30-minute walk every day can help the body use insulin more effectively.
  • Encouraging good sleep and reducing stress: Quality sleep and stress management are often overlooked but vital for diabetes control.
  • Supporting mental health and social interaction: Help your loved one stay engaged with hobbies or activities they enjoy.
 

Know When It’s Time to Seek Medical Help

It’s important to recognize warning signs that may require medical attention. Contact a healthcare provider if:

  • Blood sugar levels remain consistently too high or too low.
  • Your loved one develops wounds or cuts that are slow to heal.
  • There are changes in vision, unexplained infections, or signs of diabetic complications.
 

Caregiver Self-Care: You Deserve Support Too

Being a caregiver is a meaningful but often demanding role. To give your best, you need to care for yourself too:

  • Take regular breaks to recharge your energy and avoid burnout.
  • Ask for help when needed. Reach out to other family members, friends, or support groups.
  • Be kind to yourself. You may not have all the answers or get everything right, and that’s okay.
Your well-being is just as important as your loved one’s. A healthy caregiver means better care for the patient.
 

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The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare practitioner for personalized advice tailored to your specific needs and health condition.

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References:

1. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee; 6. Glycemic Goals and Hypoglycemia: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2025. Diabetes Care 1 January 2025; 48 (Supplement_1): S128–S145. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc25-S006

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