My name is Jaquirah and I recently got married on August 6th and my husband is a T1 diabetic. I’ve been trying to figure out ways to be supportive and encouraging to him. I recently found out about this website and I had him join. I appreciate the fact this is a place of common healing because I want him to not feel as if he’s the only person in the world going through this. I’ve been a caregiver for my mom when she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer so I do know how to care for him but T1 diabetes is something different and I’ve been learning a lot. I found out that this is a lifestyle and takes a total on the mind as well. What ways would you all recommend that I continue to encourage him?
Jaquirah,
First of all, congratulations on your marriage.
As a type 1, I recommend that you read “Think Like a Pancreas” by Gary Scheiner. This book is specifically written for people who are insulin dependent and has been helpful for my husband to understand the disease and help me manage it. Also, “The Diabetes Manifesto” by Lynn Crowe and Julie Stachowiak gives excellent advice for aggressively managing diabetes. Both of these books can be found at the library and well worth the read for both of you.
I wish you the best,
Karen
Hi Jaquirah @JaquirahW ,
To supplement a little on the excellent references that @KarenCHQ provided, I’d like to add another dimension.
I strongly recommend that you listen to what your new husband is achieving in his diabetes management and more importantly to the areas that frustrate him and where HE THINKS he may be falling short. And when I say “listen to”, I mean much more than his spoken words. With 60 years T1 challenges, I can tell you that there is much we feel when struggling with management that we never verbalize.
Do not be too critical of the blood check readings, but do be supportive in his efforts especially when you know he is trying to manage properly and in a caring way attempt to offer suggestions for improving his lifestyle and eating habits - yes, lead by your example developed on the knowledge you gain from research. You do not need to be an expert on Diabetes Management [I don’t say “diabetes control” because T1 can not be controlled] but in your married life you can subtlety guide him to choose proper meal proportions that fit his activity level.
In short, be supportive and caring. Although my wife Mary never got involved in insulin dosing until the last few years, we’ve only been married for 50 years, she did always encourage me in ways I never realized at the time.