Being diagnosed with any type of diabetes can be emotionally challenging. Living with diabetes requires adopting a proactive approach to your health, often revolving around blood glucose readings, carb counting, and medications. While it can feel like an alienating diagnosis, it's important to know that you're not alone. There are currently over 38 million people living with diabetes in the US, and another 97.6 million with prediabetes. To help you manage your diabetes, address the overwhelm caused by the condition, and make some friends along the way, we've put together a comprehensive guide to building a strong diabetes support group.
What is a Diabetes Support Group?
A diabetes support group is basically a group of people who come together to share their experiences or stories related to living with and managing diabetes. These groups can be organized in community centers, hospitals, online forums, or chat rooms for diabetes. Some groups are only for individuals living with diabetes, while others are also open to friends and family members.
Benefits of Creating a Strong Support Network
Having people whom you trust to share struggles about living with diabetes can have several benefits. Some of the most important benefits of creating a strong support system include the following:
- Provides a sense of community and belonging.
- Reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness.
- Offers emotional encouragement during challenging times.
- Reduces stress through shared experiences and mutual understanding.
- Offers coping strategies for managing stress and anxiety related to diabetes.
- Provides a space to share effective diabetes management strategies.
- Offers tips for daily routines, including diet and exercise.
- Provides recommendations for dealing with specific symptoms or complications.
- Keeps you informed about the latest research and treatment options.
- Provides access to reliable resources and educational materials.
- It helps you understand your condition better and make informed decisions.
- Motivates you to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- It creates a system of accountability, helping you and other members stay on track.
- Provides relatable insights from others who face similar challenges.
- Creates opportunities for peer mentoring and support.
- Educates family members and caregivers about diabetes management.
- Provides a network of support for those caring for individuals with diabetes.
- Strengthens and diversifies your overall support system.
Tips for Building a Support Network When Living With Diabetes
Creating a strong support system can take time, but it can help you stay on top of your diabetes management and regain your positive outlook. Whether you are looking for something more structured and professional or casual and laid-back, there are options for everyone. So, if you're living with type 2 diabetes or any type of diabetes, consider the following tips for creating your support network.
Look Into Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES)
Getting educated about diabetes after a new diagnosis is helpful with processing the information. Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) is a great way to do this. DSMES programs are often held at hospitals, clinics, wellness centers, and even physicians' offices. They're meant to provide you with information and skills to help you manage your diabetes effectively.
These groups are often led by experienced diabetes care specialists who have a rich education and understanding of how the condition affects individuals physically and mentally. Many insurance providers cover DSMES, but you'll likely need a referral from your doctor. If you're interested, don't hesitate to ask about your local options.
Start With Friends and Family Members
For some, trying to talk about diabetes with close friends or family members might seem stressful... at first. However, educating them and sharing your experience is a great way to get support from the people who matter most in your life. It might take some trial and error as they learn to discuss life with diabetes properly, but try to be patient and give them feedback. Diabetes affects the whole family, so it's worth navigating some awkward conversations.
If your friends or family members say the wrong thing at the wrong time, let them know. You can also provide them with the same educational resources you received from your diabetes specialist so they can get more proactive about supporting you in the way that you need.
Work Closely with Your Diabetes Specialists
Your team of diabetes professionals understands how to manage the condition and improve your quality of life. An endocrinologist is one of the best diabetes specialists you can have, as they understand everything you need to know about blood sugar fluctuations, wellness, ongoing management, and any potential complications. They can also be your biggest advocate as you build healthy habits and change your lifestyle. Don't be afraid to ask your doctors any questions or talk about the stressful parts of diabetes management. They're available to help you improve both physical and emotional health.
Ask Your Healthcare Team for Recommendations
Your diabetes care team is there to help you with all aspects of your lifestyle, including mental health. If they haven't provided you with resources, ask them for referrals to local support groups. Sharing your story and hearing others talk about living with diabetes can help you maintain a positive attitude and receive encouragement when feeling down. This, in turn, can help you stay committed to your diabetes management plan.
Keep in mind that everyone handles a diagnosis differently. Whether you've been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, the type of support you receive from your medical team or the community is up to you. However, if you're feeling any signs or symptoms of depression, you may be experiencing something called diabetes distress. If this occurs, it's important to book an appointment with your doctor or a mental health professional.
Connect With Other People Living with Diabetes in Your Community
While you might not know about them, you'll probably find several diabetes support groups in your area. You can ask your doctor for recommendations or go online and search for local American Diabetes Association chapters. Meeting people in person allows you to build friendships with people committed to healthy lifestyles. This is a great way to find friends to walk with, hit a new healthy restaurant, make a diabetes-friendly dessert with, or take a new exercise class.
Find Online Support Communities to Join
Some people would prefer to talk to others in the comfort of their own homes, and that's perfectly fine. Some great tools are available to help you find support groups within your community or join online forums. Some of the most popular include:
- Defeat Diabetes Foundation (DDF)
- American Diabetes Association (ADA)
- Diabetes Daily
- Beyond Type 1
- Beyond Type 2
- Carenity: Type 2 Diabetes Community
You can also check popular social media channels like Facebook and Twitter to connect with people living with type 2 diabetes in a more casual setting.
It's important to keep in mind that getting support for living with diabetes online does present some unique risks. While there are several benefits, such as easier access and opportunities for anonymity, there are also a few drawbacks. The online world can be harsh, and there is a greater potential for harassment or bad behavior (i.e., internet "trolls"). In some situations, there are also potential privacy and security risks. Always take precautions when engaging online, and if you aren't getting enough support for type 2 diabetes, try an in-person meeting instead.
Start Your Own Support Group!
Finally, if you haven't found a place where you feel like you fit in, try starting your own group. This allows you to build content based on your specific needs and invite others who may share the same lifestyle or approach to diabetes management. Invite friends on social media, share the news with your doctor, and try to reach out to other people you know living with diabetes.
Support groups are a great way to help you stay positive about managing your diabetes and living a healthy lifestyle. To complement your mental care, don't forget to check out the innovative diabetes management supplies at Byram Healthcare. We’re proud to provide you with the latest technology in diabetes management, including continuous glucose monitoring.
For more information on diabetes supplies and educational materials, sign up for Byram Healthcare’s Caring Touch At Home™ Program. The Caring Touch At Home™ Program combines convenience, affordability, and choice to deliver extensive service and support to people with diabetes.
