In recent years, the prevalence of diabetes in China has risen sharply, with the onset showing a younger trend. Diabetes prevention and control have gained global attention and become a crucial part of healthcare efforts.

The prevention and management of diabetes require comprehensive measures. In addition to healthcare professionals, family members play a vital role in diabetes control. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) designated "The Family and Diabetes" as the theme for World Diabetes Day from 2018 to 2019.

Dietary control for diabetes relies on family cooperation and supervision, exercise therapy on family encouragement and persistence, and medication management on family support and monitoring. A patient's psychological well-being also depends on family understanding and care. Family companionship plays a significant role in diabetes prevention, management, and care.

However, the critical role of family for diabetes patients is often overlooked by most people.

Medical Guidance: Dr. Li Qing, Deputy Chief Physician of Endocrinology and Metabolism Department, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital

So, how can we improve diabetes management within families?

1. Dietary Management

It's best for diabetic patients and their family members to consult professional doctors and nurse educators together to learn and master the dietary principles for diabetes. Under the premise of ensuring nutritional balance, reasonably distribute the proportions of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins; control daily total caloric intake, limit sugar consumption; develop low-fat, low-salt eating habits; quit smoking and alcohol consumption. Achieve both good blood sugar control and enjoyment of healthy meals.

Type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. From a genetic perspective, type 2 diabetes shows clear familial aggregation, as individuals with a family history are more likely to develop diabetes than those without. From an environmental standpoint, family members often share similar lifestyle habits, including common dietary patterns, sleep routines, and exercise habits. This is another significant reason why family members of diabetic patients are more susceptible to diabetes.

A diabetic diet is a relatively healthy eating pattern, and even non-diabetic individuals can follow these dietary guidelines. When a family adopts a healthy diet, all members will benefit.

2. Exercise Management

Diabetic patients and their family members should work together under a doctor's guidance to develop an exercise plan. Based on factors such as the patient's age, physical strength, gender, condition, and presence of complications, a personalized exercise regimen should be created, and family members should encourage the diabetic patient to maintain regular physical activity.

For diabetes patients, exercise intensity and duration should be adjusted according to individual conditions. Follow the "1-3-5-7" exercise principle: exercise once daily for 30 minutes each session, five times per week, with target heart rate ideally maintained at 170 minus one's age.

For individuals with diabetes, low-intensity exercises such as walking, tai chi, square dancing, or swimming are recommended, while avoiding high-intensity competitive sports. Moderate household chores, outdoor walks, or outings can also serve as part of exercise therapy.

When conditions permit, family members of diabetes patients should try to accompany them during exercise. On one hand, this can motivate patients to adhere to regular physical activity, effectively helping control blood sugar levels. On the other hand, for non-diabetic family members, it also serves as an excellent way to enhance physical fitness and prevent metabolic disorders.

3. Medication Management

Family members of diabetes patients should remind them to take medication or administer insulin on time. For patients requiring insulin injections, family members should also learn proper injection techniques from healthcare professionals to assist those unable to self-inject.

Family members should pay attention to how patients feel after taking medication and supervise or assist them with blood glucose monitoring. In case of hypoglycemia, prompt treatment is essential. For mild cases, family members should immediately provide the patient with biscuits, candies, or sugary drinks and promptly recheck blood glucose to monitor recovery. If the patient shows no significant improvement within 20 minutes after food intake and experiences impaired consciousness or inability to eat independently, immediate hospital treatment is necessary.

Family members of diabetic patients should supervise or accompany them to legitimate hospitals for medical consultations and medication, adhering to doctors' advice. They should not purchase glucose-lowering drugs on their own, especially unverified health products advertised or promoted through multilevel marketing that claim hypoglycemic effects.

4. Psychological Guidance

Diabetes cannot be cured, and most patients require lifelong oral medications or even insulin injections. Research shows that diabetes and depression are correlated, forming a "vicious cycle." Poor emotional states can worsen diabetes symptoms and reduce treatment efficacy. For chronic conditions like diabetes, long-term dietary restrictions and medication inevitably increase psychological burdens and significantly diminish well-being. Diabetic patients exhibit notably higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to the general population, making family companionship and care crucial. Frequent communication with patients helps build their confidence in overcoming the disease, alleviates psychological stress and tension from various sources, and reduces blood glucose fluctuations. Moreover, family members, who share the closest bonds and spend the most time with patients, provide psychological support during treatment that is unmatched by healthcare professionals.

Diabetes is a lifelong condition, and family support in diabetes management has been proven to play a significant role in improving patient outcomes. Through companionship and supervision from family members, diabetic patients can enhance their adherence to diet, exercise, and medication regimens, leading to better blood sugar control. This support also provides psychological benefits, reducing the emotional impact of the disease and improving quality of life. Additionally, family members of diabetic patients are themselves at high risk for diabetes. By participating in patient care management, they can develop healthy lifestyle habits that may reduce their own diabetes risk.