A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:not a relationship question as such,but a good friend of mine has just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and i want to know how to be a good friend and support her through this tough time? any help appreciated. Reply to this Question
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female
reader, Blue_Angel0316  +, writes (21 November 2008):
 So true Fatherly, my friend has some terrible mood swings. You could classify them as somewhat like a bear!*LOL* I just always put on my happy face and try to be nice cause I am sure she has alot to deal with. Learning more about Diabetes can even give knowledge to help prevent it in some people. You have to watch those carbs and that can help you loose weight too. A good boost for a Diabetic is Orange Juice. It's a good thing to keep handy. My friend has had spells when she would basically fall out and didn't know what happened but if she got to the OJ soon enough it stabilized her Blood sugar.
Not having a thyroid can cause all sorts of mood swings and other health troubles as well. That's why it's important to know as much as possible about these serious conditons. They foul up the entire immune system.
I wanted to mention that there are many Flavors of Diatetic Icecreams and Candies on the market. YESSSSSSSSS Even Chocolate! :)
God bless,
Blue_Angel
^(**)^
A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (20 November 2008): Just be there for her, let her talk about it to come to terms with it.
Do what you would do about any other problem. Listen, talk, support her.
She is lucky to have a friend like you who cares.
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A
male
reader, Fatherly Advice +, writes (20 November 2008):
 Good advice everyone! I'm a diabetic (type 2)diagnosed about 4 years ago so I remember pretty well. Buy some splenda and keep it in your purse, also some peanuts and hard candy. Be very forgiving of unexplained mood swings. I read an article recently where an endocrinologist said that diabetes is essentially every system in the body not working right. It is important not to tempt your friend with sweets, but you should also understand that she may be able to indulge a little. For example: When my wife orders pie She cuts me off a few bites so we can share the experience without me over indulging. Exercise is very important for long term treatment and my biggest frustration in my first year was that they always wanted me at the dr's or in a class and it ate up all my activity time. So if you will do active things with her that will help. about.com has some pretty good info on diabetes. It would be good for you to read up as much as possible.
FA
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A
female
reader, Blue_Angel0316 +, writes (20 November 2008):
You are a good friend to want to be there for your friend. I commend you for that. Diabetes can be hard to learn to cope with. Hopefully she will be able to get enough knowledge and understanding of the condition to enable her to take good care of herself. This would be a focal starting point for you too. By knowing more about the disease you can help. It won't hurt to know how to help her in case of emergency to take shots or check bloodsugar and etc.
Once her Doctors have her on the Medications she needs, she will be able to monitor her condition. The more she learns the better she can do this. It will be preparing her for the changes in her diet to start. There will be many things she can't have, or will have to limit.
All of the time she spends learning about Diabetes will help her to make the changes to better her health. You can be her partner in finding different food alternatives or even learning how to give her shots if she would like.
Take the time to watch, listen and learn. You will be a good stable support for you friend because you really care.
I have a friend who has Diabetes, She had surgery once and without family here I had to monitor her carefully and give her shots, etc. It was a lifesaver..to her.
You will be blessed for what you do. May God watch over you and your Friend and give you the knowledge to help her have a wonderful and happy life.
God bless,
Blue_Angel
^(**)
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A
female
reader, Emilysanswers +, writes (20 November 2008):
The best thing you can do right now is treat her completely normally. Everyone is going to be crowding round and giving her diet advice and asking how she's feeling, and when she last ate and is she ok.
It will drive her mad.
I think she would really appreciate it if you just took her shopping and to a film and laughed about boys and clothes and stupid stuff and let her have a few hours of forgetting all about diabetes.
Good Luck!! xx
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