Diabetes doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed — it affects the entire family. I learned this first-hand when my uncle was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in his late forties. Like all Bengali men, he had an unmatched love for potatoes and sweets. Diabetes came as a game changer for all of us.

For someone who worships food, where a meal without potatoes is incomplete and a festival without sweets is unthinkable, managing blood sugar was not just a health shift but an emotional journey.

And I knew that we had to rally this together, as a family not just for him but with him. It has been almost 20 years since we started this journey together. And when I look back, I realize how small lifestyle changes and consistent habits made a world of difference in helping my uncle manage his blood sugar levels.

Here are five important ways the entire family and I as a caregiver helped him to manage his diabetes well. And I hope these lessons will help other families walking the same journey.

1. Mindful Eating: Rethinking the food Plate 

Growing up in a Bengali household, potatoes on plates were almost sacred, from simple aloo bhaja to spicy aloo posto. And like a common practise across household, dinner would never be complete without dessert in my home.

But after my uncle’s diagnosis, we knew we had to be mindful of what went on his plate- and by extension, ours too. It wasn’t easy at first. He would often say, “Amar mishti-ta ar hobe na?” (Will I never have sweets again?). My aunt often wanted to indulge him, but I had to be strong.

I knew nutrition was one of the most important parts of managing diabetes. So we looked for a more sustainable approach and consulted our nutritionist. Based on the nutritionist’s recommendation, potatoes were substituted with fiber-rich vegetables such as lauki, spinach, and cauliflower; Sweets and potatoes were included in the meal occasionally. Rice portions were reduced. Instead of sugar, we started using alternatives before switching to sugar-free sweets.

Gradually, this became a habit and we, as a family, started eating better and healthier.

2. Monitor Blood Sugar Levels Regularly: Know Your Numbers 

One of the most important habits we built was monitoring his blood sugar levels regularly as advised by his doctor. Initially, my uncle found it tedious. But soon, he understood how checking his sugar levels helped him stay in control, rather than being caught off guard.

He maintained a small notebook where he would note down his readings of fasting, post-meal, and occasional random checks. This helped the doctor fine-tune his diet and medicines.

It was all about awareness and prevention.

3. Regular Physical Activity

Going for walks was another thing that the doctor suggested for my uncle. But this was another challenge because he had a knee injury and could not walk for long. However, we encouraged him to move within his limits and do light exercises. I encouraged my aunt to go for a morning walk with my uncle. This proved to be a rewarding experience for them and became a family ritual- not just for fitness, but for bonding as well.

4. Stress Management & Emotional Support 

Common diabetes symptoms like sudden fatigue and hunger pangs were sometimes overwhelming for my uncle. He would sometimes feel frustrated and craved the freedom of his lifestyle before he was diagnosed with diabetes.

As a family, we made it a point to talk openly about his feelings. We realized that mental well-being is just as important as physical health. My aunt was his greatest emotional support and I tried to spend more time with him.

5. Nutritional Support with Ensure Diabetes Care along with medications 

One of the recommendations from his doctor was incorporating Ensure Diabetes Care into his routine along with his medications.

Ensure Diabetes Care is the #1 selling diabetes nutrition drink in the world.¹ After consistent use, it helped him manage his blood sugar levels, and we noticed the difference after some weeks.² Its Triple Care System³ of high fibre, high-quality protein, and 36 nutrients helped him manage the common diabetes symptoms he struggled with, like fatigue⁴ and hunger pangs⁵.

Final Thoughts: Diabetes Management is a Family Affair 

To manage blood sugar levels isn’t just about big and difficult lifestyle changes. It’s about small and sustainable habits woven into daily life.

As a caregiver, I’ve realized that the journey with diabetes is not just about restriction but about balance, compassion, and community.

Looking back, the first few days were tough. However, we navigated together as a family. And it made us stronger and healthier. I was always there as the meal strategist, activity planner and immediate sounding board. The emotional support was done mainly by my aunt who patiently managed everything with a smile. If you or someone in your family is living with diabetes, remember, every small step counts. And no one has to do it alone. Do consult your doctor before taking Ensure Diabetes Care.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. The views expressed in the blog content are independent and unbiased views, solely of the blogger. Always consult a nutritionist/doctor before making any changes to your diet. This is a part of the public awareness initiative supported by Abbott Healthcare Private Limited (Nutrition Division).

Abbott ID – IN-ENS-MAY-2025-1747910704

References:

1.Source: Euromonitor International Limited; total global retail sales in 2024 for diabetic diet enhancer drinks. Euromonitor and Abbott calculation based in part on custom research conducted between September and October 2024 and Euromonitor Passport Consumer Health 2025 based on 2024 data.

2. There was significant reduction in HbA1c & FBS in the intervention group compared to control at 1st month & at the end of the study when used along with lifestyle intervention in overweight and obese adults with T2DM. Mohan V et al. J. Assoc. Phys. Ind. 2019; 67(12) 25-30

3. Akhlaghi M. The role of dietary fibers in regulating appetite, an overview of mechanisms and weight. consequences. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2024;64(10):3139-3150.

4. Due to reduction in fasting, post-prandial blood glucose, glycemic variability and HbA1c levels. Mohan V et al. J. Assoc. Phys. Ind. 2019; 67(12) 25-30, Chee et al BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2017;5(1), Quirk et al. Translational Metabolic Syndrome Research, Volume 3, 2020, Pages 17-20. (Nutrients like Protein, B Complex vitamins, Vitamin C, Iron, Magnesium and Energy)

5. Due to fibre, slow release carbohydrate system there is reduction in fasting, post-prandial blood glucose, glycemic variability and HbA1c levels help to reduce hunger pangs. Akhlaghi M. The role of dietary fibers in regulating appetite, an overview of mechanisms and weight consequences. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2024;64(10):3139- 3150.