A diverse family supporting an elderly person with diabetes.

Caring for Loved Ones with Diabetes: A Guide for Family Caregivers

Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Understanding the Challenges and Finding Support in Managing Diabetes at Home"

Diabetes significantly impacts older adults and their families, with daily management requiring close interaction and support. As functional abilities decline with age, family members often take on considerable responsibilities, especially with the ever-present risk of hypoglycemia, falls, and other geriatric syndromes. This article examines the experiences of family caregivers attending to older adults with diabetes receiving home care services, providing insights into their challenges and offering guidance for navigating this complex landscape.

Family members play a pivotal role in supporting their loved ones with diabetes. However, the responsibilities can be overwhelming, affecting their own health and quality of life. A lack of understanding about diabetes, coupled with the stress of caregiving, can create significant burdens. While research has focused on the role of family in managing diabetes in children and adolescents, less attention has been paid to the experiences of family members caring for older adults.

This article aims to bridge this gap by exploring the experiences of family members as caregivers, including their interactions with formal caregivers and their understanding of the support systems available. By understanding their perspectives, healthcare professionals and other caregivers can better support both the individual with diabetes and their family, promoting improved health outcomes and well-being for everyone involved.

Understanding the Experiences of Family Caregivers: Key Themes

A diverse family supporting an elderly person with diabetes.

A qualitative study was conducted, interviewing eight family members of older adults with diabetes receiving home care services. The study identified four key themes reflecting their experiences:

Security Through Self-Management and Knowledge: Some family members expressed confidence in their loved one's ability to manage their diabetes, reducing their need to intervene. They felt secure knowing their family member was capable and knowledgeable about their condition. Those family members often acquired diabetes knowledge on their own by reading brochures or though long experience with the condition.

Security comes from the older person's knowledge and ability to manage blood glucose levels, preventing emergencies.
Family members feel less pressure when their loved one actively participates in their diabetes care.
Knowledge of diabetes, gained through experience and self-education, empowers family members.

Perceived Burden Due to Deteriorated Health: Many family members described the challenges of managing complex health issues alongside diabetes. Conditions such as dementia, falls, and infections significantly increased their caregiving responsibilities. Some consequences of constant involvement in the care were a feeling of stress, less time to spend with other family members and having to take time off work. They always felt the need to be alert because of the increased obligations to coordinate, participate and interact. Family caregivers provide a wide range of assistance to the old person. Also family members of older people with diabetes have trouble in getting the older persons to participate in actions to achieve proper and secure self-management with increasing health problems. They described having the following feeling:

Stress and worry about unexpected health crises.
Difficulty balancing caregiving with other responsibilities.
Constant monitoring of food intake and blood glucose levels.

Empowering Family Caregivers: Key Takeaways

Caring for a loved one with diabetes can be a demanding yet rewarding experience. By understanding the challenges and seeking appropriate support, family caregivers can enhance their well-being while ensuring the best possible care for their loved ones. Focus on communication between all parties involved, including the family, home healthcare personnel and physicians to ensure there are no misunderstandings of the patient's needs. Also remember that taking care of yourself will allow you to have energy to best care for your loved one.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

Why do family members experience a sense of security when caring for older adults with diabetes?

Family members caring for older adults with diabetes often experience a sense of security when their loved ones can manage their condition well. This security arises from the older person's knowledge and ability to manage blood glucose levels, which helps prevent emergencies. When the older person actively participates in their diabetes care, it alleviates pressure on family caregivers, fostering a more balanced caregiving dynamic. This involvement is crucial because it reduces the constant need for intervention and monitoring by the family, allowing them to focus on other aspects of care and their own well-being. The security from self management and knowledge creates a better environment for all.

What does 'perceived burden' mean for family caregivers of older adults with diabetes, and how can it be addressed?

The 'perceived burden' refers to the stress and challenges family members face when managing complex health issues alongside diabetes in their older loved ones. This burden is significantly increased by conditions like dementia, falls, and infections, leading to constant monitoring, stress, and difficulty balancing caregiving with other responsibilities. Addressing the perceived burden involves seeking support from healthcare professionals, utilizing respite care services, and improving communication among all caregivers to alleviate the strain on family members. Without intervention, this burden can lead to caregiver burnout and negatively impact the health and well-being of both the caregiver and the person with diabetes.

What are the key takeaways for empowering family caregivers of older adults with diabetes?

Family caregivers can be empowered through education, support services, and effective communication strategies. Key takeaways include the importance of clear communication between family members, healthcare professionals, and the person with diabetes to ensure everyone is aligned on care plans and needs. Family caregivers must focus on self-care to maintain their well-being, enabling them to provide better care. Empowering family caregivers leads to improved health outcomes for both the caregiver and the person with diabetes, reducing stress and enhancing the overall quality of life. Utilizing these resources ensures sustainable and effective caregiving.

What role do family members play in supporting older adults with diabetes, and why is their involvement significant?

Family members play a crucial role in supporting older adults with diabetes by assisting with daily management, monitoring blood glucose levels, ensuring medication adherence, and providing emotional support. They often bridge gaps in care, especially as functional abilities decline with age. Their involvement is significant because it directly impacts the health outcomes and quality of life of their loved ones. Without family support, older adults with diabetes may face increased risks of complications and decreased ability to manage their condition effectively. This support network is essential for comprehensive diabetes management and overall well-being.

What are hypoglycemia, falls, and geriatric syndromes, and why are they important in the context of diabetes care for older adults?

Hypoglycemia is a condition characterized by low blood glucose levels, which can be particularly dangerous for older adults with diabetes. It can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, and even loss of consciousness. Falls are a significant risk for older adults, and diabetes can increase this risk due to complications such as neuropathy and impaired vision. Geriatric syndromes refer to common health conditions in older adults, such as frailty, cognitive impairment, and incontinence, which can complicate diabetes management. Understanding and addressing these issues are vital for providing comprehensive and safe care for older adults with diabetes, reducing the risk of adverse events and improving their overall health and well-being.