DIAGNOSIS
build your support network
Surround yourself with a team of diabetes experts to keep your health on track and with family, friends, and other PWDs for emotional support.
Your Health Care Team
Every PWD should see a primary care provider (PCP) for general checkups. Developing a relationship of trust and openness with your provider will lead to better management. Your PCP will oversee all aspects of your diabetes care and refer you to specialists when necessary. Look for a PCP who makes you feel comfortable and regularly works with PWDs.
Perhaps the most important member of your team is a certified diabetes educator (CDE), who will serve as the primary source of support and education. A CDE may be a nurse, dietitian, pharmacist, social worker, or other professional who is knowledgeable in diabetes management. He or she will work with you to devise an individual plan and give you the tools to manage diabetes, such as setting up a food plan, teaching you when and how to test blood sugar levels, and helping you cope with stress. Ask your PCP for a referral or visit diabeteseducator.org to find an educator near you.
You may also see:
• Endocrinologist
• Optometrist or Opthalmologist
• Dentist
• Registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN)
• Pharmacist
• Podiatrist
• Exercise specialist
• Mental health professional
Support Network
Managing diabetes can be overwhelming, time-consuming, and stressful. But having people around to support your efforts helps. Even better—finding people going through the same thing. Getting together with other 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 those 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, director of behavioral health services at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston and Diabetic Living adviser. “This is likely because it is a natural response to being able to share the burden.”
4 Ways a Support Group Can Help You
1. Feel Connected Identifying with a group relieves the feeling of isolation that often comes with diagnosis. No matter how helpful friends and family are, they still can’t fully understand what it’s like to live with diabetes. Spending an hour with other people who deal with the challenges of diabetes can help you feel less alone.
2. Overcome Self-Blame Getting together with others can help you get over the shame that many PWDs experience. You’ll see that everyone developed the disease for a number of different reasons.
3. Gain a New Outlook Other people can offer fresh perspectives on something that may be troubling you, such as starting insulin. Or maybe you have questions about packing a healthful lunch. Someone else may have a great tip.
4. Learn Acceptance Hearing other people talk about similar struggles with diabetes helps you break through whatever is holding you back and jump into action. You might become more compassionate with yourself.
Find a support group through your diabetes educator, local hospital, or diabetes organization, such as the American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org). Before settling on one, attend a few meetings to make sure it’s a good fit. Rule of thumb: The conversation should be positive and helpful. Constant complaining from others won’t encourage you to take positive action toward managing the disease.
digital support
The diabetes online community (DOC) is a great place to meet others with the disease and form connections. Here are a few of our favorite online groups:
• The Diabetic Living® Facebook page: facebook.com/diabeticliving
Join diabetes Twitter chats like Diabetes Social Media Advocacy #DSMA, Diabetic Connect #DCDE, and Health Care Social Media #HCSM
support-group etiquette
Ready to attend a support group for diabetes? Here are tips for minding your Ps and Qs.
DO open up and share stories about yourself, including challenges you’re facing and successes you’ve enjoyed.
DON’T monopolize the conversation.
DO offer support to others in the group.
DON’T judge what others say or share their medical information with people outside the group.
DO ask questions, however minor they might seem, because chances are you’re not the only one with those issues.
DON’T focus only on the negatives of living with diabetes.
