Caregiving: Helping a Loved One Manage Their Diabetes Treatments

Being a caregiver for a person with diabetes is no small task. In addition to guiding your family member or friend toward healthy lifestyle habits, you will need to help the person measure blood sugar regularly, keep track of blood pressure and cholesterol levels and administer insulin.
 
But don't let the list overwhelm you. With a little bit of education, a regular schedule and a positive outlook, you and the person you are caring for can keep diabetes under control.

First, try to familiarize yourself with the terminology and typical goals involved in diabetes management. For instance, an A1C is a test that can show an individual's mean blood sugar levels from the previous two to three months. Other names for the test include hemoglobin A1C or glycosylated hemoglobin. Recommendations vary on the optimal results of this test, ranging from less than 6.5 percent to 7 percent. You should talk to the person's health care provider regarding what a target measurement.