Diabetes support

Living with a chronic illness like type 2 diabetes can seem overwhelming at times. Sometimes you might feel that no one understands the stress that you feel day after day. If prolonged, these overwhelming feelings of anxiety, stress, and isolation can become a barrier in your search for wellness.

It does not have to be this way. You must seek support to maintain control of your type 2 diabetes and to enjoy your life to the fullest. Whether your main support comes from your spouse, partner, a close friend, your doctor, or a diabetes support group, there are people who care and can help.

See a diabetes specialist

Because type 2 diabetes requires regular medical checkups, obtaining proper support begins with a specific and accurate diagnosis from a doctor who understands diabetes. You might choose to see a diabetes specialist nurse or a diabetes specialist, to make sure you benefit from the latest medical findings. Beyond the initial diagnosis are a host of health care professionals you’ll need to see including ophthalmologists, pharmacists, registered dietitians, and diabetes educators. All of these professionals will be part of your diabetes health care team and work with you to help you stay well.

Consider a joining diabetes support group

It may be a good idea to join a diabetes support group as you experience give-and-take with other men and women who have type 2 diabetes.

A support group is geared toward the unique needs of its members and is especially important for those with diabetes. While support groups are not psychotherapy groups, they can provide you with a safe and accepting place to vent your frustrations, share your situation, and receive comfort and encouragement from others. In many such groups, the latest methods of diabetes self-management and treatment are discussed, and members can give coping suggestions that you may not be aware of. The assurance is given that "someone else knows what I am going through" as people share any struggles they are having living with type 2 diabetes. This camaraderie is most necessary in order to revamp your thought processes. After joining such a group, you may realise that the best experts on a disease are often those who live with it daily. (Always check with your doctor before taking a new “suggested” remedy).

Seek support from loved ones

Type 2 diabetes extends beyond the patient and can affect the entire family. Especially with a chronic illness, personal support is necessary, whether from your spouse, family, friends, or colleagues.

It is important to educate your friends and loved ones about your disease, making them aware why you must check your blood glucose regularly or why you have to carefully choose your foods for snacks and meals. Having a family meeting with a diabetes educator is another good way of helping everyone understand type 2 diabetes and why some lifestyle changes have to be made to accommodate your illness.