5. Help her make dietary changes.
Both of you need to know how food affects her disease. She'll need to pay more attention to what she eats, when, and how much. Get a recommendation from her main diabetes health provider for a registered dietitian who can assist in planning meals. And if you're doing the cooking, be sure to go along to the appointment to learn how you can help make healthier meals.
6. Encourage her to get active.
Even modest amounts of movement can make a difference in managing this disease. So help her figure out ways to get up and get going. If you can, join her for a walk with the dog or for a round of golf (and if the two of you can manage without it, don't use a cart!).
7. Figure out ways to keep medication records.
It's common to have to take prescription drugs to help treat type 2 diabetes. She may also need to take pills to manage other problems common in people with diabetes, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Or she may take medicines for other, unrelated ailments. Helping her remember to take all her drugs as directed can require a little advance planning. A sheet taped to the fridge, a logbook, an automated pill dispenser, or a computer software program could do the trick.
8. Look for a support group.
Check to see if her local hospital or diabetes center offers a support group, and try to find one geared toward older adults. Her doctor or diabetes educator should be able to help with this. The Defeat Diabetes Foundation lists diabetes support groups in all 50 states. She could also find a virtual support group by searching using the keywords diabetes online support group.
