The Value of Diabetes Support Groups

It can be very lonely dealing with a chronic disease. Family members and friends may try to bolster your spirits, but they cannot understand the emotions feel about having diabetes.

Here is where diabetes support groups can be very helpful.  Members of diabetes support groups can suggest resources and offer realistic advice that your healthcare provider may not be able to provide. Participating in a group with others who are in a comparable situation can help to mitigate concerns about how to manage your diabetes on a day-to-day basis or potential complications of the disease. Not only are support groups a source of empowerment for dealing with your disease, but you also benefit from building relationships with others.

How staying connected helps

Among the many benefits of diabetes support groups are:

•          Getting practical information for coping with problems and daily life

•          Sharing emotion without fear of being judged

•          Lightening the stress of living with diabetes

•          Learning about the latest advances in medications, benefits, and side effects

•          Getting on top of the latest research

•          Finding out about the best medical practitioners and treatment centers

Types of diabetes support groups

Diabetes education groups: Healthcare providers lead these groups to teach ways to manage the disease. Topics may include meal planning or ways to monitor blood sugar levels.

Group medical appointments:  Diabetes group visits are an innovative way to deliver care to people with diabetes. People with diabetes share an appointment in one setting. Group visits can include services such as a medical exam, a flu shot, blood work, and prescription refills, as well as group education, goal setting, and other social support activities. [1]

Peer Support Groups: In-person or online peer support groups offer practical tips and advice from others who are on a similar journey. 

In person diabetes support groups

Diabetes in-person support groups are available across the United States.  Such groups enable members to learn, socialize and connect.  Healthcare providers may provide in-group meetings or know of local support groups. Other resources include:

·         Defeat Diabetes Foundation offers a listing of support groups by state that meet at local clinics, hospitals, and university medical centers.                                  https://defeatdiabetes.org/get-healthy/diabetes-support-groups/

·         Lions Club International offers peer support groups for people with diabetes around the world. You may have to become a member to participate. https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/start-our-global-causes/diabetes/diabetes-peer-support-groups

Diabetes support groups online

Today, diabetes support groups online are a main source of support for those looking for help in dealing with diabetes. Social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook, which also may have their own information groups, blogs and podcasts, are avenues to find online support groups, although the safest groups that provide the most reliable information are those that are associated with a professional organization. Ideally, online groups will have a moderator who removes or clarifies inaccurate information.

Diabetes support groups online include:

Beyond Type 1

An online community for those impacted by Type 1 diabetes.

https://community.beyondtype1.org/

Beyond Type 2

An online community for those impacted by Type 2 diabetes.

https://community.beyondtype2.org/

Diabetes Daily

In addition to online forums, there also are apps on the iTunes and Google Play stores that can connect people with diabetes to peers with diabetes, as well as forums, communities, and websites.

https://www.diabetesdaily.com/forum/

Diabetes Forum

A forum community dedicated to people living life with diabetes. Join discussions about treatment, nutrition & healthy eating choices, diabetes friendly recipes, medication, supplies, fitness, health & wellness, and more!

https://www.diabetesforum.com/

Diabetes Sisters is a 501c3 national nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the health and quality of life of women with and at risk of developing diabetes; and to advocate on their behalf. The organization offers a variety of online programs focused on the unique needs of women with diabetes.

 https://diabetessisters.org/

Smart Patients Diabetes Community

A community for people affected by diabetes Type 1 or Typ2

https://www.smartpatients.com/communities/diabetes

Tu Diabetes

A community of people touched by diabetes

https://tudiabetes.org/

Type 2 Diabetes.com

At Diabetes.com, you can read conversations, start a discussion, and connect with others about type 2 diabetes.

https://type2diabetes.com/forums 

You do not have to take your diabetes journey alone. There are many in person and online groups you can join where you will find others who share your feelings and concerns and can offer advice and support.