Being a caregiver often means balancing the needs of your loved one and those of yourself. Cheryle, a Humana member, is the sole caregiver for her grandson who lives with autism. Because Cheryl lives with diabetes, she carefully manages her disease so that she can be available for her grandson.
“I cleaned up my cabinets and refrigerator of stuff that my grandson doesn't like and I shouldn’t eat,” said Cheryle. “I'm also teaching him nutrition and trying to teach him, ‘This is for you. But you see, this is for me, and I don't want you ever to have diabetes, so you take care of yourself.’”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) than girls.1 And a study published in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders (2022) suggests that ASD is associated with an increased risk of being underweight.2
“My 15-year-old grandson is technically underweight,” said Cheryle. “I've actually had to take him to a nutritionist who talks directly to him but I'm there to listen. If I make mashed potatoes, he gets an extra big hunk of butter. Any place I can add calories for him.”
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. Each person living with autism is affected in different ways and some people may not be diagnosed until adulthood.
To be healthy for her grandson, Cheryle has learned how to better manage diabetes by attending Humana Neighborhood Center classes and by following the advice of her physician. She takes care of herself by watching what she eats, carefully managing her weight and getting regular exercise.
“If anything happens to me, my grandson, who is autistic and has ADHD, needs to be cared for,” said Cheryle.
