Diabetes is a difficult chronic illness. We have to pay attention to the food we eat, the choices we make, the weight we have, and the medicines we take. Also, we have to see plenty of health-care providers on a daily basis.
As a result, it is important that we have a partner we can rely on.
Their support can make it easier to deal with the frustration and fear that comes with this illness. Moreover, research says that people who have complete social support tend to manage their diabetes much better.
When we are in a marriage, support is crucial. However, marriage can also be the biggest source of conflict and stress. It can affect the condition and make it more difficult to manage. That is why it is important for couples to work together and create a healthy relationship.
Here, we will focus on the ways that a marriage can affect diabetes management and vice versa.
The Financial Burden
Medical care for diabetes can be quite expensive. Even though medicines are crucial for managing this illness, they can still cause a huge financial burden for the entire family. However, if a person doesn’t receive the medications they need, their health will deteriorate.
As a result, it is very important to try and avoid complications by obtaining the right medications. That is why families with lower income find it difficult to save money for medications and their children.
Nerve Damage Affects Intimacy
Those with diabetes who have nerve damage may find it problematic to get intimate. A woman’s private parts can get very dry which in the end can cause painful intercourse. While some men have to deal with erectile dysfunction.
If a couple has to deal with these health issues, their relationship can face a lot of problems. As a result, communication is crucial. Partners need to talk to each other and seek help from a professional health-care provider.
How to Collaborate
Diabetes can put a huge strain on a relationship. But, it can also bring couples together. To achieve that, here is what to do.
Listen
We should ask our partner how they feel and if they need help, and listen to their response. But, we shouldn’t argue or judge, just listen. We should make sure that both our feelings are shared, and not prioritize our own.
Make Some Space for Negative Emotions
Diabetes can cause anger, depression, fear, or guilt. That is why it is important for us to learn to deal with these emotions. Therefore, we highly recommend staying positive and learning to recognize negative emotions.
But, we shouldn’t just simply bottle them up and hide them for another day. Instead, we should accept these emotions, come to terms with them and share these feelings with our partner.
Get Informed
It is important that both of us educate each other about diabetes.
We should get all the information we need and learn to manage the condition properly. Also, we should go to regular check-ups. It is important that both of us get an adequate amount of information to manage this condition.
Commit to the Relationship
If we are having troubles in the relationship, we should talk to our partner about it. Admit that something is wrong and try to find a nurturing way to restore the bond. Furthermore, spend some more time together.
Set aside time for walking and talking together like a date for example. Lastly, be thoughtful and express emotion. It is important that our partner knows we love and care for them.
Talk to Each Other
Diabetes may cause some unexpected health problems. But, that is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, we have to talk to our partner about it and find a way to solve these problems together. Asking for help shows that we genuinely trust our partner and we want them to lend a hand.
Set Mutual Goals
Working together to find the right way to manage diabetes can be challenging. But, if we do it together, we can surely achieve our goal. So, instead of getting angry and frustrated, we should try to do things together as a couple.
Get Help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Managing diabetes can be quite challenging. Therefore, it is important that we get adequate help from professionals.
Nothing Works?
Let’s say we have tried all of these tips mentioned above, but nothing seems to get any better. If that is the case, we recommend getting couples counseling. It can be a great way to repair the bond and restore the marriage.
Besides, committed couples who have tried couples counseling swear that it can be perfect for restoring the communication they once lost with their partner. So, make sure to give it a try.
