You Are Not Alone, Finding Support When You Have Type 2 Diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes, whether you just got the diagnosis or you have had the condition for months or even years, you may feel like you are alone or that no one else understands how it feels to live with this disease. These are not uncommon feelings, but you should know you are not alone and that there are places to turn for comfort and support and a shoulder to lean on when you need it. Is anybody out there? Yes, there are many people, groups, and organizations that are ready, willing, and able to offer comfort and help you with your questions and concerns about type 2 diabetes, as well as serve as a sounding board and a source of ideas for recipes, exercise tips, and how to tackle the challenges that the disease can throw in your path. Nearly 26 million people in the United States have diabetes (90 to 95% of which are type 2), according to the US Department of Health and Human Services, and 18.8 million of them been diagnosed while about 7 million have the disease and don’t know it. Clearly you are not alone in facing the challenges of the disease: it’s just a matter of you taking the steps to find support. Here are some suggestions on where to turn to get comfort, help, and resources if you are dealing with type 2 diabetes. (A future article will focus on support for children and type 1 diabetes.) Enlist family and friends: Many people have family members and/or friends who have type 2 diabetes, and sharing information and tips with them may be a useful way to feel less alone. One way to approach the topic is to let the other person feel like he or she is being helpful. For example, you might ask a friend if she has some good recipes for type 2 diabetes, or if he has any experience taking supplements for controlling blood sugar levels. Although everyone’s Continue reading >>
Group Support Tips For People With Diabetes
Find a Health Buddy Lori Bohall knew for years that she had insulin resistance. But that meant little to her until last year, when she began regaining weight she'd lost. Her feet ached, and she sank into depression. Her doctor said she had type 2 diabetes. An invitation from her health coach to join a diabetes class was the wake-up call Lori needed. The class provided a wealth of information, and she was inspired by others who talked openly about their experiences with diabetes. "Learning from others who have had success with managing their diabetes made me want to come on board and really get in the game," says Lori, 43, of Indianapolis. Lori also began to feel as if she owed it to the group to do her best at managing her health. "I find myself thinking about my class buddies as I work on my program each day," she says. "Knowing they are doing all it takes to be healthy inspires me." She's even made new friends through the group, including a walking buddy. It Takes a Village Getting together with other people with diabetes (PWDs) can make a big difference in how well you take care of yourself. Studies have shown that people who participate in activities with others have better control of blood sugars, better quality of life, and less depression than patients who don't. "The research about diabetes, and chronic illness in general, clearly indicates that support from others enhances self-care," says John Zrebiec, M.S.W., CDE, a clinical social worker at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston and a member of the Diabetic Living editorial advisory board. "Likely that is just a natural human response to being able to share the burden." Participating in a support group can help you: Feel connected. Identifying with a group relieves the feeling of isolation that often comes wit Continue reading >>
Finding A Support Group For Type 2 Diabetes
After getting a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, you may be spurred to make important lifestyle changes. But these changes often don’t happen overnight, and enthusiasm for eating healthier, getting regular activity, and monitoring your blood sugar can be difficult to maintain over the long term. Finding and sticking with a support group can keep you engaged and motivated. According to the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support published in Diabetes Care in January 2013, on average, those initial health improvements people often make begin to diminish within six months if a person doesn’t have ongoing self-management support. But people with type 2 diabetes who attend support group meetings are better able to sustain or even build on their health improvements, according to a study published in the January 2012 issue of Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. The Benefits of Outside Support Family and friends are often the first line of diabetes support — and they can provide quite a bit, says Susan Gustavsson, RN, BSN, CDE, a diabetes nurse educator who leads diabetes support groups at the Center for Endocrinology at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. However, Gustavsson says many people with type 2 diabetes often find that it's more helpful to talk with others personally dealing with the condition. “A diabetes support group can provide a place to go to discuss issues that others with the condition may be experiencing too,” she says. “It can help the person with diabetes realize that he or she is not alone.” There are several factors to consider when looking for a support group, Gustavsson says. Do you want a group that provides speakers or a traditional group with a facilitator who leads the discussion? You might want a support Continue reading >>
Diabetes Support
We provide healthcare, education and support services for those at-risk for diabetes and living with diabetes and their families. Any individual diagnosed with diabetes is automatically eligible to be a part of North Country HealthCare’s diabetes collaborative and diabetes care program. What is Diabetes? Diabetes occurs when a person has too much glucose (or sugar) in their bloodstream and not enough insulin to bring the amount of sugar down to a healthy level for their body. There are four types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes occurs in childhood and happens when the body does not produce insulin. Type 2 or adult-onset diabetes usually occurs in adults and occurs when insulin production slows and/or the body is not able to use the insulin it produced. Prediabetes is diagnosed when sugar levels are higher than normal, but not as high as in diabetes. Gestational diabetes happens during pregnancy when a woman’s body is unable to produce enough insulin or becomes insulin resistant, which results in high blood sugar. Gestational diabetes can be dangerous for the mother and the infant, both during pregnancy and after birth. Education & Group Classes Diabetes education and self-management empowers a person to take control of their diabetes care and needs. We provide education, group classes, support groups and curriculum to give patients the tools they need to achieve health and wellness while managing diabetes. Diabetes in Pregnancy Class The Diabetes in Pregnancy class offers education to prevent, manage, and reduce complications of diabetes, as well as how to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Classes include a prenatal check with a family nurse practitioner and information about your health, your baby’s health, physical activity, healthy diet habits and much more. Your prov Continue reading >>
Who | Patient Support Groups
Treatment involves more than routine medical diagnosis, hospitalised care or even the prescription of drugs. When confronted by illness, patients seek professional help and advice from their doctors, and also rely on support from family members, peers and fellow patients. Patients' with genetic diseases are no exception to this reality. They too face complexities and complications that require a network of professional support staff, family, and friends. To this end several societies and organizations, specialising both in general health improvement as well as illness-specific objectives, offer support groups as integral components of treatment plans for patients with genetic disorders and for their families. These support groups may offer a variety of services, including educational materials, consultations, group therapy, team building activities, and other resources to teach individuals how to cope and adapt to the lifestyle that is often dictated by their illnesses. This section offers a compilation of online resources from around the world on support groups for multiple illnesses. Please note that if you do not find a support group for your needs in this listing, you may locate one by contacting your local hospital or genetic labs. Continue reading >>
Seeking Support For Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can seem overwhelming at times, but you can take control back. It helps to have people who encourage you and show you new ways to manage your diabetes day to day. Put them on your go-to list, and reach out any time you need their insight and motivation. You need a medical team that knows diabetes inside and out. They could include: An endocrinologist, who has a lot of experience working with people who have diabetes A pharmacist, who's familiar with all your medicines A registered dietitian, who can give you pointers on what to eat All of these professionals work with you to help you stay well. It helps to talk to someone who can relate to what you're going through, since they have diabetes, too. While support groups are not psychotherapy groups, they can provide you with a safe, accepting place to share your situation and get comfort and encouragement. Type 2 diabetes can affect the entire family. So get them, and your friends, involved. Share with them what you're going through and how you manage your diabetes. For instance, tell them why you have to check your blood sugar regularly, or what sorts of snacks and meals are OK for you. Want someone to help you get them up to speed? You might want to hold a family meeting, and invite your diabetes educator to answer their questions. You deserve to feel good emotionally. If you don't, you may want to talk to a therapist. In therapy, you'll plan positive ways to handle your diabetes. It's not just for people with conditions like depression or anxiety . Anyone can benefit. You can get a fresh point of view that helps you work through your challenges. That's important, because stress can affect your blood sugar levels . Look for a licensed mental health professional who works with people who have diabetes or Continue reading >>
Organizations & Support Groups
Need Financial Help with U.S. Diabetes Supplies and Medications? Here is a website with information about programs and resources that may help. Click Here! JDRF is the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. The goal of JDRF research is to improve the lives of all people affected by T1D by accelerating progress on the most promising opportunities for curing, better treating, and preventing T1D. ADA We lead the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fight for those affectedby diabetes. Check out their Safe At SchoolProgram glu We are a type 1 diabetes community who is accelerating promising research by seeking answers, sharing wisdom and offering support. Students With Diabetes aims to create a community and connection point for young adults with diabetes ages 18-30 on both college campuses and in local communities across the country. diabetes hands foundation Diabetes can be a very isolating disease, so we provide platforms where people with diabetes and their loved ones can connect and have an open dialog about their experiences with this chronic condition. Children with Diabetes The online community for kids, families and adults with diabetes. Connected in Motion We are people with T1D who share a vision: to create a culture of support & engagement in diabetes self-management through peer-based experiential diabetes education, sport, and outdoor adventure. (Based in Canada) ConsumerSafety.org is an information and news organization focused on health and safety topics. They provide information on health conditions like Diabetes, as well as recalls for products, medical devices and drugs, and relevant news. ConsumerSafety.Org works with experts to maintain a high level of information quality, to help readers like you stay i Continue reading >>
Type 1 Diabetes Resources And Support
Find support you need when you need it most Whether you're interested in joining a vibrant online T1D community, in need of advice from someone who’s been there or looking for educational tools to help you or your loved one manage the disease—JDRF is here to help. Whatever your question and wherever you are, JDRF’s online T1D resource community connects you with others—online or in your area—who’ve been where you are. Support and information near you JDRF chapters offer a variety of events to inform, support and connect you with the T1D community. Along with several generous partners, we provide information to help you understand and better manage the daily burden of T1D to stay as strong and healthy as possible. When your child receives a diagnosis of T1D, it can feel overwhelming. As you adjust to life with T1D, you’ll find helpful information and support in the JDRF Bag of Hope®. The JDRF T1D Care Kit is a free resource providing information and tools to educate, support and inspire adults newly diagnosed with T1D. Toolkits for all ages and stages Our free T1D toolkits for parents, adults and educators are comprehensive guides that arm you with the knowledge, resources and confidence you and your family need to navigate life with T1D. Continue reading >>
Diabetes Support Groups: How To Find The Perfect One For You
Diabetes Support Groups: How To Find The Perfect One For You Haveyou ever felt overwhelmed by diabetes? On a bad day, it can seem impossible to get your blood glucose under control, no matter what you do. I feel you. To manage your condition well, there are just so many things you need to do from figuring out the foods you can eat, what to do when your blood glucose levels are high or low, and whether your exercise plan is really working. The learning curve for diabetes is reallysteep. But.. youre not alone! Your friends, family and healthcare team can be an important source of support and motivation. Its easier to cope with diabetes when you have a strong network of people supporting you. More importantly, other people with diabetes can make a big difference in your life too. Imagine being able to talk freely and share experiences with other people facing the same problems and issues that you are, and who understand what youre going through first hand. Thats something your doctor or nurse wont be able to provide, as knowledgeable as they are. What kinds of diabetes support groups are there? Generally, most support groups can be divided into in-person and online groups. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Tech savvy & younger people often prefer an online support group, where they can ask questions which can be too embarrassing to bring up at an in-person session. Such groups are bridge geographies and are accessible from anytime and any location. Other people may be prefer an in-person support group, which often has strong ties to community resources and knowledge about local culture. It is also easier to build human relationships and connections from face-to-face contact. Diabetes support groups comes in all shapes and sizes. It only requires someone to take t Continue reading >>
The Importance Of Diabetes Support Groups
The Importance of Diabetes Support Groups The Importance of Diabetes Support Groups Post Date: September 2017 | Category: Diabetes Diabetes support groups can be a crucial tool in managing your diabetes. Peer support can be the missing link in helping people with diabetes address the psychosocial and emotional health aspects of their condition. Diabetes support groups, both online and off, have made my personal experience with type 1 diabetes more positive. You, too, can benefit from those connections. Whether it's exercise, diet, or emotional health hurdles, peers who understand what you're going through are a powerful resource for living well. But what exactly does peer-to-peer support provide, and how is it different from what I get from my doctor? Have you ever spied someone checking their blood sugar before eating lunch? Have you heard someone ask, "Is this soda definitely diet?" before they're willing to take a small sip to confirm? There is something intensely powerful about having one of those "me, too!" moments. They confirm that you aren't alone in your journey. When you see other people doing what you do and dealing with what you deal with, it can be so comforting. With that "me, too" moment comes emotional support. There's a lot of focus on numbers, like A1C, weight, and blood sugars, but there's more to diabetes than just the basic data. Living with a chronic illness comes with some emotional weight, which at times may be hard to carry all on your own. Reaching out to others who know what you're going through can make talking about your experience with diabetes easier. Your frame of mind needs to be in tip-top shape in order to manage your health, so don't be shy about asking for help when it comes to lifting the mental load. You will be better for it! Wit Continue reading >>
Extra Support For Diabetics: Online Support Groups
Extra Support for Diabetics: Online Support Groups The benefits of social support on physical and mental well-being have been widely documented by psychologists at UCLA, the University of Minnesota, and many other institutions. Support groups provide a valuable resource for social support, but not everyone feels comfortable in a public group setting. For some people, online support groups provide much needed social support. Support groups are great for those with diabetes, or whose loved ones have diabetes, because struggling with this condition can be challenging at best. Support groups provide a forum for people suffering from the same ailments to share personal experiences and offer emotional, moral and practical support. Participants in diabetes support groups understand the inherent difficulties in managing blood sugar levels, insulin injections and diabetic diets. People feel less isolated and judged while participating in a platform where they can discuss their feelings and anxieties. You may develop a clearer sense of what to expect with your situation by comparing notes with others. People can share basic management skills such as how to count carbs and successfully administer insulin injections. This exchange of ideas gives a great sense of empowerment and control over your diabetes! Online support groups, like the diabetes group on SupportGroups.com, are convenient for people who may not have the time or the means to attend in-person group therapy sessions. Online support groups also work well for people who may feel uncomfortable discussing their condition and their feelings about it in front of a group of strangers. Its easier to be honest and open about your experiences in an online setting. With diabetes, its polite to keep all personal information confi Continue reading >>
The Emerging Diabetes Online Community
1Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics. Houston, TX, USA, 77030; 2SixUntilMe.com. East Greenwich, RI, USA, 02818; 3Children with Diabetes. West Chester, OH, USA, 45069; 4Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine. Hershey, PA, USA, 17033; 5Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics. Palo Alto, CA, USA, 94305 *Address correspondence to this author at the Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, 1102 Bates Avenue, Suite 940, Houston, TX, USA 77030; Tel: 832-824-7209; Fax: 832-825-2122;, E-mail: [email protected] Received 2014 Dec 23; Revised 2015 Feb 25; Accepted 2015 Mar 23. Copyright 2015 Bentham Science Publishers This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial 4.0 International Public License (CC BY-NC 4.0) ( ), which permits unrestricted, non-commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited. This article has been cited by other articles in PMC. Diabetes self-management is complex and demanding, and isolation and burnout are common experiences. The Internet provides opportunities for people with diabetes to connect with one another to address these challenges. The aims of this paper are to introduce readers to the platforms on which Diabetes Online Community (DOC) participants interact, to discuss reasons for and risks associated with diabetes-related online activity, and to review research related to the potential impact of DOC participation on diabetes outcomes. Research and online content related to diabetes online activity is reviewed, and DOC writing excerpts are used to illustrate key themes. Guidelines for meaningful participation in DOC activities Continue reading >>
Diabetes Advocacy...support Networks
"Few chronic conditions require as much vigilance as diabetes. Whether you're working at the office, relaxing by the fireplace or strolling on the deck of a Caribbean cruise-boat, diabetes follows you around like a hungry dog. Diabetes demands your attention day in and day out. You are required to balance your food intake with your exercise routine, to keep track of how much you ate and when you ate, to monitor your blood glucose levels, and possibly to take insulin..." The above was taken from Diabetes Dialogue in an article entitled Breaking Free of the Stress Zone by Gabrielle Bauer (Summer 2003, Volume 50 No. 2 Page 8). For us, it highlights why support is so very vital to all who have had this "hungry dog" move into their house. Support can be found in families, through diabetes teams, in local support groups, as well as online. www.childrenwithdiabetes.com offers mailing lists that support both parents, children, and teens as well as chat rooms that can be of great comfort, support, and information. Facebook , TuDiabetes and even Twitter offer many other great connections to the Diabetes Online Community (aka the DOC). InsulinPumpers.org An exceptionally informative site for those who are pumping insulin or looking to begin insulin pump therapy. Rufus and Ruby....the bears with Diabetes Support for children can also be found in various bears such as Rufus and Ruby who both provide comfort and help fund a cure. Rufus and Ruby, the Bears with Diabetes , have come to symbolize hope and support for those children living with Type 1 Diabetes. Created by a loving mother, Carol Cramer, after her own son was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. Rufus and Ruby have patches where insulin should be injected, hearts on their paws for glucose testing, and a Medic Alert bracelet Continue reading >>
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Diabetes Support Groups To Help Manage Diabetic Depression
Diabetes support groups to help manage diabetic depression As a child, I remember hearing my parents and grandparents mention people they knew who had sugar diabetes. These conversations made me wonder if diabetes was like the bubonic plague; something you could catch that was a death sentence. Diabetes frightened me, and I knew I never wanted to have it. I didnt realize how much diabetes would affect my family until I reached my mid-teens. My Dad comes from a tight-knit family and has always had close relationships with his siblings. His oldest sister married a shoe salesman from Kentucky. Uncle Claude was a good old southern boy who enjoyed his sports and his beer. He was frequently the life of the party at family gatherings, always having a good joke or funny story to share. The two of us developed a strong bond through our love of University of Kentucky basketball and professional football. I always knew what his Christmas gift to me each year would be a new pair of Nike High-tops for my upcoming basketball season! When their family came to visit during the summer, I could always count on grabbing our baseball gloves and having a catch, shooting some hoops and having a hunting buddy to help control the gopher population. My uncle was always happy and upbeat, so it came as a total shock to me when I found out he had been diagnosed with Type II diabetes. His diabetes was detected as I was entering High School. He wasnt the type to be concerned about taking care of himself. In addition, relishing his beer, he smoked, ate what he pleased, and didnt believe in exercise. Absorbing every change necessary to manage his health proved to be a fierce struggle. His doctor placed him on a diabetic diet and prescribed medication for blood sugar control. He was instructed to quit Continue reading >>
4 Tips For Finding The Best Diabetes Support Network
Home Health and Wellness 4 Tips for Finding the Best Diabetes Support Network 4 Tips for Finding the Best Diabetes Support Network Posted by Karen Graffeo On February 23, 2017 In Health and Wellness For more than two decades, I thought I had to handle my life with diabetes on my own. It didnt occur to me that having a network of support would be beneficial to me. But as it turns out, having a support network has made me healthier, more engaged and informed, and less alone. I didnt know I was missing support until I found it. However, the idea of building a support network can often seem overwhelming. So here are 4 tips on how to get started. 1) Begin with friends and family. Yes, they may drive us all crazy sometimes by saying the wrong thing about diabetes at the wrong time. But if you let them know what support you need, they can often become your biggest assets. After all, they already love you and want the best for you! 2) Ask your healthcare team for local support group recommendations. Getting together with a group of people who share the same condition you have can be more rewarding than you might think. They get it because they are living it too. There may already be groups like this happening in your area, and your healthcare team might be able to connect you. 3) Look online. Support is no more than a click away at any time of the day or night. You can connect with other people living with diabetes over Twitter (#DSMA), Facebook and many other social media sites like Diabetes Sisters and TuDiabetes . Joining the DOC (Diabetes Online Community), is a great way to build your support network. 4) Start your own support group. A great way to connect with others with diabetes is by starting your own group. Several years ago we formed a local group that would meet fo Continue reading >>
