Featuring Nikki Nurse, Roger HareReviewed by Preeti Parikh, MD | December 14, 2022

For Nikki Nurse and Roger Hare, individuals who live with Type 2 diabetes, asking their loved ones for help is a key part of managing their condition.

“I’ve found that by asking and leaning in on my support, they really do want to [help me],” Nurse says. “People want to support, but they just don’t know how.”

Here are some tips they feel would help them feel supported with their Type 2 diabetes:

Ask how you can help instead of waiting for them to request it: Rather than saying, “Call me if you need anything,” try asking, “What can I do to help?”

Assisting with simple household tasks may be very helpful: Whether it’s grocery shopping, housekeeping, laundry, or childcare, helping out around the house for someone with diabetes may lighten their load.

Be an accountability buddy with them for physical activity: Agree to meet them once or twice a week to do some kind of exercise together, like walking, biking, or visiting the gym.

Commit to healthier eating for the entire family: Keep family meals healthy by incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables and lean proteins. This way, you can all stay on track together.

These kinds of actions make Nurse and Hare feel supported and like they’re not alone in managing their Type 2 diabetes.

“It does take a village to get your numbers under control,” says Hare.

You can read more about Nikki’s experience with Type 2 diabetes here, and Roger’s experience with Type 2 diabetes here.

References

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Written by:

Marisa Taylor Karas

Marisa Taylor Karas is a freelance journalist based in Brooklyn who has covered health, gender, and technology for 15 years. She previously worked at The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and Al Jazeera America, among other publications, and also served as managing editor of the Mellon Foundation in New York City.

Reviewed by:

Preeti Parikh, MD

Dr. Preeti Parikh is a board-certified practicing pediatrician in New York City. In addition to overseeing all editorial content at HealthiNation, she sees patients at Westside Pediatrics, is an assistant clinical professor at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and is an American Academy of Pediatrics spokesperson.