Type II diabetes is often associated with adult onset diabetes; though children and teens may be diagnosed with it. This can be caused by a diet too high in sugars and starch, lack of exercise and/or a failing pancreas. The function of the pancreas is to provide your body with enough insulin to convert the necessary sugar (glucose) to energy. It is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
Education
- Ask your medical health care provider to meet with you and your family to discuss your medical condition. The more your family understands about your diabetes, the less likely they are to resent any difficult situations that might arise. Seek out support groups, online information and get your family involved. Should a diabetic crisis happen, you will want them to understand what to do for you. Your children should also be informed that they are at a higher risk with a family history of diabetes.
Impact
- The impact on your family can be devastating if the condition remains untreated. It may cause your work performance to suffer, increase your medical costs and insurance premiums, and even create family upheaval due to mood swings and traumatic medical crisis events. There is cause for concern that the diabetic who isn't controlling his/her blood sugar may become violent if levels are too high or too low. Diabetics can go blind, lose a limb, suffer strokes or seizures because of uncontrolled blood sugar. Close family members will also have to endure these difficulties.
Family Diet
- Together, assess your family's eating habits to help the diabetic family member stick to a proper diet. For younger children, consider making a game of finding the hidden sugars in your cupboard. Plan a trip to the grocery store as a family activity, and let everyone choose from healthy fruits and vegetables. Introduction of whole grains a little at a time might be more successful if your diet has included a lot of highly refined carbohydrates. The stash of "treats" can also be phased out with the use of fruit snacks. Teach your children to eat, not drink, their fruits and veggies; fiber helps slow the digestion of carbohydrates. Encourage a treat night where the family can have something that normally you would avoid. Family members should strive to be patient with their diabetic loved one; this is a complete lifestyle change for him or her as well.
Family Activities
- Plan and enjoy physical activities together, including walks, bike rides, tennis, swimming, a game of basketball, or even catch in the back yard. Anything that helps you to be more active is good for you. Time spent together in family activities not only encourages better health but can bring you closer together.
Prevention/Solution
- Check your blood sugar levels at least three times a day. Follow your physician's advice on the uses of insulin, diet and exercise so you can live a long and healthy life. Make this a family affair, and let family members help you. Incorporating healthy habits into all of your lives may help to prevent further family occurrences of diabetes
Read more: How Type 2 Diabetes Affects Families | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5381606_type-diabetes-affects-families.html#ixzz1LoeOW3NZ
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