Families and friends can be a great source of support. However, caring for your partner, relative, friend or child can be hard work, and as a carer you may not realise just how much this is affecting you. This is particularly true if you are caring for someone with diabetes and depression. It is important that carers seek support themselves; see the Further information section for details of organisations who may be able to help.
Parent carers
Learning that your child has diabetes is a traumatic event for any family. Adapting to and managing diabetes, and changes to family routine, can place a strain on family relationships. Diabetes can fit into your lifestyle, but you may need help and support to do this. There may be some emotional or behavioural problems that you are finding difficult to manage on your own; perhaps your child is refusing to do blood glucose tests, is worried about being bullied at school, or anxious about changing to an adult healthcare team. Don’t be afraid to ask your GP or healthcare team for help. They may also have access to psychologists or counsellors.
Diabetes UK Careline
Diabetes UK Careline can provide confidential support and information on diabetes. The team are trained counsellors and can give you the time you need to talk things through. To speak to one of our counsellors call 0845 120 2960* (or 020 7424 1000 and asked to be transferred to the Careline), 9am–5pm, Monday–Friday. Or email: careline@diabetes.org.uk.
*Depending on your phone package, calls to 0845 numbers may be free. Otherwise, calls to this number from a BT landline can incur a 9.05p set-up charge plus an additional charge of up to 5.25p per minute. Please check with your phone provider for further details of costs to 0845 numbers. Alternatively, call 020 7424 1000 and ask Reception to transfer your call.
Diabetes UK runs a range of services for people with diabetes and their families, including:
- adult support days and weekends
- family days and weekends.
For more information contact our Care Support team on 020 7424 1000.
Reviewed December 2009
Next review December 2010