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In sweetness and in health

No I’m not getting married anytime soon but since it’s the love month, let us talk about how married couples live the sweet life. I have counseled many couples inflicted with Diabetes and it’s a far cry from living a genuine sweet life. They face challenges and major adjustments in dealing with this lifestyle related disease. Whether only one spouse is affected or both, Diabetes is best managed with the help and support of the spouse. Partnership is the key to manage and prevent it.

Kaberi Dasgupta, MD, from McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), Montreal, Quebec, told Medscape Medical News in an interview: “If possible, work with both members of the couple to achieve optimal diabetes management. They may be able to support each other.”

Remember the vow “In sickness and in health?” Well if your spouse has Diabetes, you should also be screened because your lifestyle, eating habits, food preference, physical activities and exercise patterns are likely to be similar if not exactly the same. According to the American Diabetes Association, spouses of patients with type 2 diabetes have a significantly increased risk of glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes, and they should be classified as high risk for diabetes.

Dr. Dasgupta said: “If you diagnose diabetes in one spouse, consider evaluating the other.” A research done on 75,498 couples showed a 26 percent increase in the risk of diabetes if the partner is diabetic.

Here are some tips on how to deal with the challenges of living the sweet life:

• Avoid nagging. Wives have cried in my clinic saying: “I’m just concerned! I remind him because I want him to eat healthy!” and I’ve heard husbands complain: “She watches everything I eat. I feel deprived!” Nagging is not being supportive. A gentle reminder is helpful but always remember to respect your spouse’s decision and individuality. Do not impose. Instead of nagging, try to set a good example by living a healthier lifestyle. Actions speak louder than words. Now to the spouse with Diabetes, it may come out as nagging but understand the reason behind the irritatingly constant reminding and prodding – love and the genuine desire of your spouse to make you healthier and live longer.

• Avoid tempting your spouse with unhealthy food choices. If you want your spouse to have a controlled blood sugar level, consider the foods made available at home. Be sensitive enough not to eat high caloric and sugary foods in front of your spouse especially if he or she can be easily tempted to give in to food cravings. If you don’t want to deprive yourself of these foods, at least keep it away from your diabetic spouse’s sight. Remember the saying: out of sight, out of mind.

• Avoid reacting negatively to mood swings. Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar level can cause irritability, confusion, weakness and nervousness. Don’t take it personally rather gently ask your spouse to check for blood glucose level. If it is below 70 mg/dl, immediately give 15 grams of carbohydrates which is equivalent to the 1/2 cup of fruit juice, milk or soda; five pieces of hard candy; or three teaspoons of sugar or honey to increase blood sugar to normal level.

• Avoid being silent when sexual problems arise. Erectile dysfunction is common among men with diabetes and vaginal infections are common among women. It is important to communicate with your spouse and seek medical advice to treat these problems. It is also recommended to consult a registered dietitian to help you make healthy food choices which include low-glycemic foods that do not rapidly increase your blood sugar level upon ingestion. A healthy diet, regular physical activity, behavior modification with medication can help control blood sugar levels and prevent complications of diabetes.

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