Health Tip: When a Loved One Has Diabetes

How you can help

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(HealthDay News) -- When a friend or family member is diagnosed with diabetes, you may be unsure of how you can help.

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The American Diabetes Association offers these suggestions:

• Learn everything you can about diabetes, including what it is and how it's treated.
• There are different types of diabetes with different treatment requirements, so it helps to learn the specifics about your loved one's condition.
• Talk to your loved one about what he or she needs from you, and what's needed to cope emotionally.
• When your loved one asks for help, follow through.
• If your loved on needs professional assistance -- with diabetes or a related issue -- help the person get it.

-- Diana Kohnle