Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or to show your support, this type 2 diabetic gift guide offers a variety of thoughtful and practical gift ideas that will make your loved one with diabetes feel special and supported.
When I first got diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, I was like a fish out of water. I was entering unknown territory and was a bit lost. That being said, finding the perfect gift can be a challenge, and it becomes even more important when your loved one is living with diabetes. When choosing a gift for someone with diabetes, it’s important to consider their unique needs and preferences.
Diabetic Gift Guide: Gift Ideas
Practical Gifts:
Diabetic supplies can be pricey, so every little bit helps. To find out what they might need, ask what they buy that insurance doesn’t cover or what they wish they had. For example, I purchase out of pocket, alcohol pads and sensor covers. I even paid for the premium features of the mysugr app before switching to a continuous glucose monitor, which initially helped me keep track of my diabetic reads.
- Glucose Monitoring Meter Kit: Most insurance companies will pay for one basic glucose meter kit. But having a second glucose meter for ‘on-the-go’ travel and one to keep at home is a fabulous convenience. This is the one I use (Accu-Chek) and it comes with a nice hard case to keep everything organized. I also like this brand because it pairs with the mysugr app which can help keep track of your sugar levels. Note: To help keep all the supplies the same, it’s best to try to get the same meter brand as the recipient uses.
- Continuous Blood Glucose Sensor Covers: These covers help to safeguard the sensor, preventing it from catching on clothing or equipment during physical activities. The added layer of protection maintains the sensor’s integrity and contributes to a polished and tidy appearance, especially as the sensor adhesive may collect dirt over time. There are also fabric armbands that can be washed and reused. Note: There are different adhesive stickers for the different types of CGM (continuous glucose monitors), so make sure you know what type is used.
- Insulin Cooling Case: For those who need to carry insulin, a cooling case can help keep insulin at the right temperature, providing peace of mind while on the go. This is especially great for those who travel a lot (the one linked is TSA approved and available in various sizes).
- Diabetic Supply Organizer: There is an actual diabetic supply organizer, but it isn’t the prettiest. I prefer to use a regular countertop organizer for my supplies. There are also drawer organizers that can help keep needles, alcohol pads, glucose kits, and more organized.
- Alcohol Pads: Used to clean the skin for sugar testing or if needles are used to inject insulin (my insurance won’t pay for this, so it’s an out-of-pocket cost).
- Mini Fridge: For those using insulin, vials and pens can get lost in a large fridge. Keeping them in a mini fridge in your room or a bathroom can make finding and keeping things organized easier.
- Sugar Substitutes: As the adage goes, you indeed miss what you can’t have. For diabetics, it’s sugar (carbs too)! So getting a newly diagnosed diabetic some sugar substitutes can help make the transition a bit easier. I use Swerve for baking (the only one I don’t recommend is the powdered sugar) and Splenda packets for drinks and other things. Note: There are numerous sugar substitutes, and each has a slightly different taste. It may require some time to adapt and discover the one that suits each person’s preferences.
Comfort and Support Gifts
Here are a few diabetic gift guide ideas that a diabetic might not buy for themselves, but help make their lives a bit more comfortable and the transition to a sugar-free/low-sugar diet a bit easier.
- Diabetes-Friendly Cookbooks: A cookbook with diabetes-friendly recipes can help your loved one explore delicious and healthy meal options that align with their dietary needs. It’s especially helpful for those that are newly diagnosed. And for the sweet-tooth lovers, there are even diabetic dessert cookbooks!
- Diabetic Socks: Did you know diabetics can have poor circulation due to damaged blood vessels? Wearing normal tight socks can hinder that circulation even more. Diabetic socks are made to be less constrictive for better blood flow.
- Sugar-Free Drinks: Tea is an excellent sugar-free beverage choice that is especially ideal for the autumn and winter seasons. Another great drink for cool weather is hot cocoa. I thought my days of hot cocoa were gone, but I found Sugar-Free Cocoa and I love it! If hot drinks aren’t the recipient’s thing, Sparkling Ice is a tasty alternative to sodas. Oh, and don’t forget the coffee lovers by getting them a bag of coffee and some sugar-free creamer.
- Sugar-Free Snacks: Snacks are always welcome as it’s difficult to find diabetic sweet treats. And to be honest, it does take time to adjust to the taste as it’s not the same as sweets with real sugar. Here are a few examples of my favorite snacks: Nori, Popcorn, Trail Mix, Nuts, Sugar-free jello (I eat this with cottage cheese), Sugar-free fruit cups, Sugar-free pudding, Candy, Cookies, Wafers, Protein Bars, etc… Note: make sure these items fit their dietary restrictions.
- Gift Basket: Create a gift basket with sugar-free, fresh, and low carb food items. Some ideas are sugar-free candies, cookies, and snacks. Add fresh fruit, cheese, sugar-free jello cups, sugar-free fruit cups, nori snacks, popcorn, trail mix, nuts, and more! Just make sure whatever is included meets their dietary restrictions.
- Diabetic Clothing: I didn’t even realize there was diabetic clothing, but there are pants, tops, jackets, and more that cater to diabetics. Simply enter your desired item in the search bar to locate it.
- Lotion: People with diabetes often experience extremely dry skin, which can lead to itching, cracks, and even potential infection risks. Diabetic lotions are designed to provide hydration and moisture to the skin, helping to combat dryness and prevent moisture loss.
- Shoes: Diabetic shoes are beneficial for individuals with diabetes. Designed with specific features to address the unique foot care needs of diabetics, these shoes help prevent complications such as neuropathy, poor circulation, and foot ulcers. The shock-absorbing soles of diabetic shoes can help alleviate pressure on the foot, reducing the risk of injuries and promoting overall foot health. Additionally, diabetic shoes often come with adjustable closures, such as laces, allowing for a customized fit that accommodates any swelling or changes in foot size that may occur throughout the day.
Health and Wellness
A type 2 diagnosis can bring significant lifestyle adjustments and emotional challenges, so it’s important to seek support and cultivate coping strategies. Managing stress, anxiety, and depression becomes essential as they can impact blood sugar levels and overall well-being.
- Gym Membership: Encouraging physical activity is important for diabetes management. Consider gifting a gym membership, fitness classes, or exercise equipment to support an active lifestyle.
- Aromatherapy Sets: Stress management is crucial for diabetes management. Aromatherapy sets with calming scents can help promote relaxation and reduce stress levels. Note: there is no scientific evidence that aromatherapy helps with diabetes, it is used more to help relax and reduce stress.
- Home Spa Kit: Help your loved one unwind and de-stress with a luxurious home spa kit containing items like bath salts, essential oils, and candles.
Personalized Gifts
When considering personalized gift ideas for individuals with type 2 diabetes, it’s important to focus on items that promote health and well-being. Practical gifts such as personalized meal planning charts, customized water bottles to encourage hydration or personalized portion control plates can aid in managing dietary requirements. Additionally, personalized fitness gear like customized workout towels or personalized exercise mats can inspire physical activity.
- Medical Bracelet: It’s always a good idea to have something to let first responders know of any medical issues, which allows them to administer proper treatment.
- Custom Meal Delivery Service: Consider giving the gift of a subscription to a meal delivery service that caters to diabetic dietary needs, making meal planning and preparation easier.
- Meal Prep: Prepare a week of meals or prep some diabetic-friendly freezer meals. This takes the temptation of eating not-so-good things off the table. There are a lot of diabetic-friendly recipe sites that can help with recipes. It also helps to have a meal planner calendar to keep meals on track.
- Diabetic Cooking Class: The American Diabetes Association sometimes does live classes online or look for local diabetic cooking classes to gift or attend with the recipient. The Diabetes Meal Plan site has a monthly (has less support options) and annual membership that includes: Weekly Meal Plans (includes recipes), Breakfast & Snack Selection, 1500+ Recipe Database, Smart Meal Planner & Grocery List, Huge Members Library – 100s of Topics, Extensive Detailed Food Guides, Ongoing Support & Motivation, 250+ Cooking Classes, Health Log to Track & Amplify Progress, and Monthly Member Check-Ins with Dr Jedha & DMP Nutritionists. Note: I have not tried the Diabetes Meal Plan.
- Water Bottles: Staying hydrated is crucial for individuals with diabetes due to its significant impact on blood sugar management. Dehydration can lead to fluctuating blood sugars and pose risks to essential bodily functions such as kidney, nerve, and cardiovascular health. To make drinking water a little ore fun, why not customize one with the recipients name?
- Workout Towel: If the recipient goes to the gym, a personalized gym towel would be a nice addition to their workout gear.
- Portion Control Plates/Bowls: Portion control plates are beneficial for diabetic control as they help individuals with diabetes create balanced and well-portioned meals, which is essential for managing blood sugar levels.
- Diabetic Meal Planner Chart/Shopping List: This is beneficial in helping one to quickly understand diabetic food management to help keep sugar levels under control.
Choosing a thoughtful and practical gift for someone with diabetes shows that you care about their well-being and understand their needs. Whether it’s a gift that promotes their health and wellness, provides comfort and support, or simply brings joy, the options in this diabetic gift guide are sure to make your loved one feel appreciated and understood. Your thoughtfulness and support will undoubtedly mean a lot to them.
