The family plays a very important role in diabetes treatment and self-management for diabetic patients. To facilitate more effective diabetes self-management, diabetes educators should involve family members in the treatment process. Diabetes educators need to teach families about the disease and how to manage diabetes, as well as listen to and identify diabetes-related emotional issues and address inappropriate emotions or irrational beliefs. Diabetes educators should lead families to have realistic expectations and behavioral goals, and provide effective support without pushing or controlling patients.