Overview
Whether you are a parent, partner, sibling, aunt, uncle, stepparent, foster parent or other caregiver involved in the life of someone with diabetes, know that you and the patient you care for are not alone. You are part of a vibrant and supportive community of T1D patients and 'dia-buddies' around the world.
At various points after the diagnosis, it is natural for you to pass through stages of grief, fear, guilt, anger, denial, resentment and even depression. It is important to work through these feelings with professional help if needed so that you can adapt to the needs of the patient.
You may worry about what the future holds for someone with diabetes. There is no single recipe for managing diabetes that fits all patients but know that a Type 1 diabetic can be empowered to handle their own care.
The specifics of T1D treatment can seem overwhelming. Talk to your doctor, nurse, dietician and counsellor to stay informed on aspects like blood glucose targets, frequency of blood glucose testing, insulin dosage, dosing with a syringe, pen or pump, oral glucose-lowering medication and nutrition management.
The Cornerstones of Care
The following cornerstones of care are really important to pay attention to when raising someone with diabetes:
Healthy Eating:
Maintain a regular schedule for meals and snacks. If the patient is a fussy eater, don't force foods. Instead, offer a variety of foods.
Taking Medication:
Learn how to administer insulin injections. Learn and teach the patient the symptoms of low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) and how to tackle them.
Staying Active:
Make exercise a daily routine for the patient.
Tracking Sugar Levels:
Measure blood glucose levels four times daily in the initial stage and teach the patient how to do this as well.
Get the
support you need
The healthcare professionals who care for the patient can be an important source of support for you too.
And don't forget about yourself!
Taking care of someone else takes a lot of time and energy. If you are not taking care of yourself, you can't take good care of anyone else, so ensure you get all the support you need.
Celebrating Our Caregivers
A nurse's story as a caregiver
Thumbs up for Nurse-Educator, Sonia! When Shreya’s parents noticed that her sugar levels remained high even with insulin shots, they brought her for a consultation to P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre. Nurse Sonia showed the young diabetic how to administer the shots correctly and now, Shreya manages her own sugar levels
Lighting up lives of children living with T1D
“I’m Satish and I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of seven. My parents were shocked when they got the news—being uneducated, they didn’t know how to get me help. My father works as a mechanic and my mother is a homemaker, and they struggled to buy insulin to save my life. That’s when my father’s friend referred us to Dr Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre. I received free and excellent treatment here from Day 1. Each member of staff has shown me genuine care. I’m grateful an option like this exists to help light up the lives of children living with T1D.”
The inspiring story of a caregiver
Prajakta was 8 when she was diagnosed with diabetes. Her father, who works in a police department, was at first devastated by the news but slowly, with help from her doctors and educators, he has learnt how to manage Prajakta’s diabetes. Every day at lunch, he makes sure he’s at her school in time for insulin injections. He mastered MS Excel so he can track her sugar readings and diet charts. Prajakta says, “My Baba has taught me how to manage my diet and control my sugars. I love him the most in the world!” Prajakta—and her Baba—are supported by P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre
The joy of care giving
“I’m Kumar and I come from a village called Perambakkam near Kanchipuram. When Hinduja Foundation joined forces with Dr Mohan’s, it helped many T1D patients like me, whose families struggle to make ends meet even without the financial burden of diabetes. I live with my father, who works at a small hotel, my mother and two younger siblings. Thanks to the support I get from the doctors, nurses, dieticians and educators at Dr Mohan’s, today I maintain my HBA1C levels within normal ranges and lead a healthy life. I’m more confident of my own abilities today.”
Taking care of diabetes
Kshitija's cousins are a big part of her diabetes support system. They distract her with pranks and games to help her relax while getting her insulin shots. Kshitija and her family are supported by our T1D Program partners at PD Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai
Living a better life with the right support system
“I’m Meena and I’ve been a Type 1 diabetic for the past 13 years. For most of that time, I’ve been under the care of doctors from Dr Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, who have encouraged me to live a better life. The support I get from the faculty and the Type 1 friends I’ve made here have helped me stay positive and set higher standards for myself. I take part in activities like running and walking which have helped a lot too. My support system helps me see that together, we can fight diabetes and grow stronger.”
Diabetes cannot define you
“Simply leaving this world without doing anything fruitful is a fate worse than diabetes. My name is Pratiksha Vandana Balasaheb and I’m a 25-year-old actor and Type 1 diabetic. Diabetes has been responsible for a lion’s share of all my achievements, whether it was topping my Grade 12 exams or winning an award this year for my role in the Marathi film ‘Phirki’. Once you prioritise your life, things fall in place. With everything I’ve tried, whether in sports, art, education, environment or social work, diabetes has never been my weakness. The woman behind my success is undoubtedly my mother. I learnt to face problems fiercely from her. I want to express deep gratitude towards my family, friends, teachers and doctors who have given me the energy I needed to move ahead.” Pratiksha’s treatment is supported by KEM Hospital, Pune