Support for Diabetes

Diabetes was recently explained to me as giving someone four balls and asking them to juggle them perfectly all day, every day, for the rest of their life. Living with diabetes can feel isolating. While managing your blood sugar is mostly up to you, it is important to know that you are not alone. You may receive support from your healthcare team, friends and family, online communities, or through personal coping strategies.

Healthcare Team

Your healthcare team will work closely with you to make a plan that works for your life. Every healthcare team may look different, but they are personalized to your specific needs and may include the following members.

Possible team members: a primary care provider – (reach out to one of our local Fort HealthCare Clinics if you are looking to establish with a provider); an endocrinologist; a registered dietician; a diabetes educator; a psychologist or social worker; a pharmacist; an ophthalmologist; a podiatrist; a dentist; a fitness professional.

Friends and Family

Reach out to friends and family members for support. Tell them how they can be most helpful to you. Some may want to learn about diabetes along with you.

Diabetes Online Communities

Consider connecting with others virtually via a platform you use or trust; view this handout for more info. Many peer support groups exist online. Fort HealthCare also offers a Diabetes Support Group that focuses on a different topic each month. Developing this network of peers can be a resource to lean on when needed.

Healthy Coping

Develop personal healthy coping strategies for avoiding burnout our diabetes distress. We may seek out unhealthy coping mechanisms when we are sick or frustrated. Try swapping out a negative or unhealthy system for a more positive, healthy plan. For example, instead of drinking alcohol, go for a walk. Instead of smoking, write in a journal. Consider meditating, joining a faith-based activity, finding a hobby, or joining a support group.

Living with diabetes can feel overwhelming when looking at it alone. Building your support group can come from many professions or people from all around the world. Find what works best for you!

Krames. (2021). Getting support. A guide for adults living with diabetes (p. 5). Krames, LLC.