Diabetic care

Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when blood sugar levels become too high. High blood sugar happens when the body produces too little to no insulin or doesn’t respond to it well. Insulin is used by the body to convert glucose (sugar) into energy for the cells.

Left untreated, diabetes can cause serious health problems such as kidney disease, nerve damage, and eye problems.

Approximately 9.4% of the U.S. population lives with diabetes.1 Although there is no cure, there are ways to manage diabetes and stay healthy. A caregiver can help.

Caring for a loved one with diabetes can include administering or tracking medications, encouraging changes to diet and activity levels, and ensuring regular monitoring by a healthcare provider.

This article covers what you need to know about diabetes, your responsibilities as a caregiver of someone with diabetes, what you should try to avoid, how to talk to your loved one with diabetes, and how to take care of yourself as a caregiver.