It’s uncanny, but according to researchers at McGill University, if your partner is a type 2 diabetic, there’s a 26% chance that you will likely develop it too.
Although there’s no specific reason as to why this is happening, speculations include that the partners might be skipping physical activities and engaging in unhealthy eating habits, or that perhaps the more you know about diabetes, the more you see the symptoms develop in yourself.
Whatever the reason is, since you are the partner, and most likely the primary caregiver, you should be able to take care of yourself first to be able to look after your diabetic loved one.
Here are some tips on how you and your partnership can remain healthy.
Arm Yourself with Knowledge
You don’t need to be a health professional to know about diabetes, but a little bit of information and understanding can help the relationship a lot. It makes you and your partner feel equipped in case of an emergency, and it also makes you empathize and be present in their lives.
Open and Regular Communication
Yes, diabetes is present, but it doesn’t mean it has to be the center of the relationship; however, it can’t be disregarded either. Thoughts and feelings should be shared to one another.
Linda Bloom, MSW, LCSW, told Diabetes Forecast, “If you go down the road of the sacrificial martyr, you end up cranky, burnt out, and more likely to develop illness yourself.” It is important to meet both partner’s needs halfway.
Healthy Changes Should Be Done Together
It’s hard enough managing your own diabetic diet, much less one for two people if one is not a diabetic, or maybe one is type 1 and the other type 2. But, with effort, the rewards of working together on what goes best for the both of you are beyond the measure of benefit. Together, always.
Nurture the Relationship
Being in an intimate relationship and having a social support system can boost your health, according to research.
Mary Pruiett told Diabetes Forecast that her husband has been her support system every single time she reads her glucose levels, “I think it is critical. You can and should be the ‘expert’ in taking care of yourself, but others who are close to you can make that easier and more rewarding.”