Caring for a family member or friend who has diabetes and dementia can be rewarding, but also challenging. Your support is vital to their health and wellbeing, as is feeling supported yourself. In this article we take a look at what support you can access for yourself, and suggestions on managing day to day tasks.

People living with diabetes and dementia might have more difficulties with diabetes tasks, particularly as the dementia progresses. Tasks such as measuring blood glucose levels, injecting insulin, taking medicines, preparing meals, eating regularly, and staying physically active could become more complex. 

Understanding diabetes 

To support and care well for your loved one, you may need to understand diabetes more. You can do this through education, focusing on knowledge and skills, and practical support. Helpful professionals to get in contact with for guidance are doctors, pharmacists and diabetes care teams, including credentialled diabetes educators (CDEs) and diabetes dietitians.  

Practical support may be required, such as: 

• Meal planning and preparation. Discussion around a meal delivery service could be helpful.  
• Medication and timing management. It may be possible to streamline the current routine. 
• Tips on managing medicines. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice on side effects e.g. hypoglycaemia.
• Blood glucose monitoring and target levels. 
• Emotional wellbeing support. 
• How often to attend appointments with the diabetes treatment team.
• Managing sick days and when to seek help.  
• Discovering options for staying active such as chair exercises or classes. 
• Support groups for people with dementia or diabetes and their families and friends.  

Suggestions for managing day to day tasks

• Use routines and reminders to determine when to test blood glucose levels and take medications. 
• If everyone is comfortable with this suggestion, track blood glucose levels by writing them down in a book or using a blood glucose app. 
• Write things down in a diary or on a whiteboard and keep lists.  
• Fill a weekly pillbox (dosette box) or use a Webster pack.  
• Use labels and signs on shelves, cupboards and doors to help locate items around the house.  
• If several people are involved in the daily care at different times of the day, keep a communication book to allow everyone to keep track of meals, activity, and medication. 

Look after yourself 

Taking care of your own health and wellbeing is important. Being there for someone else often means you end up putting yourself second.  Take care of your physical health and prioritise exercise and healthy eating; give yourself a break and accept help from others if possible 

NDSS factsheet

Caring for someone with diabetes fact sheet

Helpful organisations 

• Many organisations can offer support, such as respite for carers and day care programs. 
• Talking with other people who have similar situations to your own can be helpful. Family members may also want to join a support group.  

Dementia Support 

Call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500. 

Carers Australia 

 Go to carersaustralia.com.au or call 1800 242 636.

Diabetes Australia provides a range of support services, including:  

• Community education and prevention programs for people with or at risk of diabetes, their carers and family.  
• Education and programs in several different languages that offer culturally appropriate diabetes information. 
• Educational forums and events where people living with diabetes and their carers can meet and support one another and learn about the latest in diabetes research and management. 

NDSS Online Services Directory 

The NDSS Online Services Directory gives you a list of health professionals to help you manage your diabetes. You can: 

• Search for doctors, endocrinologists, diabetes educators, dietitians, or other health professionals in your area 

• Find your nearest NDSS access point pharmacy. 

NDSS National Helpline 

The Helpline is often the first point of contact for people wanting reliable, evidence-based information, caring support, and referrals to other services. It’s open to anyone with diabetes, family members and carers, and health professionals at any stage of their journey. 

Call the NDSS National Helpline on 1800 637 700 to talk with a health professional. 

Other help and support 

Many organisations are dedicated to helping people deal with emotional and mental wellbeing. You can access their resources below: 

Lifeline – 13 11 14  

24-hour crisis support 

Mensline– 1300 789 978 

Resource – Emotional support and counselling 

Beyond Blue – 1300 22 46 36 

Anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention 

Karen Jameson Registered Nurse, Credentialled Diabetes Educator