What you shouldn't say to someone with type 2 diabetes

When someone close to you is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it can be hard to know what to say to them. They’re at the beginning of a long, scary journey, and support from their loved ones is crucial.

Here, we look at ways to talk to someone living with type 2 diabetes, with 5 things you should avoid saying plus alternative phrases to create supportive, empathetic conversations.

Instead, ask: “How are you feeling?”

A new health condition comes with a lot of information and emotions, and your loved one might be feeling overwhelmed and lonely. Often, they will be looking for someone to talk to about what they’re going through.

Asking them how they feel about their type 2 diabetes diagnosis, as opposed to just trying to ease them, can be a good way to let them talk about how they’re feeling.

If they don’t want to chat, that’s fine too. Asking them how they feel lets them know that you’re there if and when they ever want to talk.

Instead, say: “I’d like to know more about type 2 diabetes too. Shall we do some research together?”

The more you know about type 2 diabetes, the better equipped you’ll be to help someone manage it. This may also help you empathise more with what your loved one is going through.

A type 2 diabetes diagnosis comes with new routines, such as regular blood glucose level checks ;and numerous medical appointments. There may also be lifestyle changes around diet, exercise and medication.

As this may feel overwhelming for your loved one, it can help to have support on practical things, like information and medical advice.

There are many resources online that can help you understand type 2 diabetes better. Our diabetes 101 article is a good place to start.

Instead, say: “Let’s make some healthy changes together.”

Eating well and exercising regularly are important parts of staying healthy, whether or not you have diabetes. So, making positive changes together with your loved one can help support them while also benefiting your own health.

You might start planning healthy meals together, sharing healthy recipes and splitting cooking tasks. The good news is that there’s no shortage of diabetes friendly foods out there.

Staying active is another way to show your support. Take regular walks with your loved one, or find a fun doubles activity to do together, like tennis, lawn bowls or badminton.

Instead, say: “You’re handling all of this really well. I’m so proud of you.”

Change is hard, and positive encouragement and feedback can help boost your loved one’s motivation as they navigate their type 2 diabetes journey.

You can do this by avoiding things like making comparisons, nagging or giving negative feedback. Let your loved one know you’re in their corner, no matter what. And celebrate the small changes they make along the way.

Instead, say: “You’ve got a lot of medication and appointments to manage. Can I help you set up some reminders to make it easier?”

If your loved one takes medication to manage their type 2 diabetes, you might make things easier for them by offering to set up an alarm on their phone, or even emailing them, to let them know when it’s time to take their medication.

It can also help to ease their load if you volunteer to pick up their prescriptions for them, or attend their doctor's appointments so you can take notes.

Remember, everyone is different, and requires different levels of support. You need to respect this, and respect your loved one’s desire to manage certain things on their own.

At the end of the day, the most important thing you can do for your loved one is simply be there for them. Your help, understanding and encouragement can make big changes a little easier.

Diabetes Australia offers resources on preventing and living with diabetes. Visit their website or call them on 1800 177 055.

The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) Peer Support is a space for people living through similar experiences to share their stories and support each other.