Caring for a Loved One with Diabetes

Caregiving doesn’t pause after November — and neither does the importance of staying connected to the right support. Plug-in to Care helps caregivers find trusted information, supportive communities, and practical tools that make each day a little more manageable. Whether you’re caring for a loved one this holiday season or any time of year, connection can make all the difference.

The Caregiver’s Role

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body regulates blood glucose (sugar), often requiring lifelong management of medications, diet, physical activity, and frequent monitoring. For caregivers, helping a loved one with diabetes means navigating a shifting landscape: from early diagnosis to managing complications to adapting care as health needs change. Equipping caregivers with the proper knowledge, tools, and emotional support is vital to ensuring that both the person with diabetes and the caregiver maintain the best possible quality of life.

Top 3 Things Caregivers Should Know

Monitoring & Medication Can Be Complicated, But They’re Key

Measuring blood sugar, understanding target ranges, managing medications (insulin or others), and responding to fluctuations (hyperglycemia / hypoglycemia) are central tasks. Mismanagement can lead to serious complications, so caregiver vigilance and coordination with health providers are crucial.

Lifestyle Support Is Often as Important as Medical Care

Nutrition, physical activity, meal timing, and emotional/mental health support all weave into diabetes care. Caregivers often play a huge role in helping loved ones eat well, stay active, plan for sick days, and maintain routines—while also adapting as the person’s condition evolves.

Preventing Burnout and Planning Ahead

Because diabetes is ongoing, caregiving for someone with it means balancing day-to-day tasks (monitoring, managing crises) with long-term concerns (complications, changes in capacity). Caregivers need to build a support network, set boundaries, educate themselves, and plan for emergencies or transitions (e.g. when more medical support is needed).

Caregiving Resources

Partner Resources

American Diabetes Association:

> For Caregivers / Tools & Resources — A suite of supports for caregivers: understanding what to expect, how to advocate for care, school safety, emotional/social concerns, etc.

> Newly Diagnosed with Diabetes — Guidance for caregivers in the early stages: what the diagnosis means, how to set up routines, how to support someone just starting out in managing diabetes.

> Treatment & Care — Details on how diabetes is cared for over time: medication, glucose monitoring, involvement of the full health care team, and how care plans may need to shift.

Caregiver Action Network

This resource was developed with support from the American Diabetes Association.

Plug-in to Care: Stay Connected

Caregiving can be complex, but you don’t have to face it alone. Plug-in to Care by connecting with trusted resources, supportive communities, and tools that help you care for your loved one — and yourself — throughout the holiday season and beyond.