Diabetes management can often feel isolating, especially when you’re faced with the constant demands of managing blood sugar levels and making health-related decisions. For those living with the condition, finding a support network can make all the difference in thriving rather than simply surviving.
For years after my diagnosis, I struggled with the overwhelming demands of managing diabetes while balancing family life and running a business. Despite my family’s best efforts, I often felt alone in navigating the drastic lifestyle changes required by the condition. However, I soon discovered the power of connecting with others who shared similar experiences.
The Search for Support
A 2024 research review highlighted the importance of social support in managing chronic conditions. After feeling disconnected from online communities, I decided to seek out a local diabetes support group. When I attended my first meeting, I immediately realized I had found a group of women who truly understood my struggles. Each person in the group shared common feelings of isolation and frustration related to diabetes, and the sense of being heard and understood was incredibly freeing.
Through this support group, I not only gained valuable insights into diabetes management but also learned how to take better care of myself and advocate for others. One of the most rewarding aspects was being introduced to legislative advocacy by our group leader, which allowed me to speak out on critical issues like drug affordability and access to care. A few years later, when the opportunity arose for me to host my own group, I eagerly accepted. I’ve been leading that group for the past three years.
The Role of Social Support in Diabetes Self-Care
Social support has been proven to have a significant impact on managing diabetes effectively. A 2021 study found a strong correlation between social support, self-care behaviors, and blood glucose control in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Managing diabetes is about much more than monitoring blood sugar—it also involves taking care of your overall health, including skin care.
Products like Gold Bond Diabetics’ Dry Skin Relief Body Lotion are designed to support those with diabetes by providing gentle, hypoallergenic care for dry skin, an often-overlooked aspect of diabetes self-care.
Friendships That Changed My Life
When I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2019, I quickly realized that my experience was unlike most. Some of my symptoms didn’t align with the diagnosis, but I didn’t know how to address my concerns with my doctor. Fortunately, through my involvement in support groups, I met four women who shared their experiences of being misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes when they actually had latent autoimmune diabetes (LADA).
Their stories of self-advocacy and perseverance inspired me to seek a second opinion. In 2022, I was finally diagnosed with LADA, thanks to the encouragement of these women. Their stories directly influenced my decision to pursue additional testing, saving me from continuing treatment that could have worsened my health. Even though we live across the country from one another, we stay connected through Zoom calls and texts.
5 Tips for Finding Your Community
Building lasting connections with others who understand the challenges of diabetes is possible. Here are a few tips for finding your people:
Join Support Groups: Whether in person or online, diabetes support groups can be invaluable for connecting with others facing similar challenges.
Attend Health Appointments: Regular visits to specialists, such as endocrinologists or diabetes educators, can open doors to new friendships with others managing diabetes.
Engage in Fitness Activities: Participating in fitness classes tailored to people with diabetes can introduce you to like-minded individuals who prioritize their health.
Incorporate Self-Care Routines: Engaging in self-care activities like pedicures or spa days with others who have diabetes can lead to meaningful connections.
Attend Community Events: Participating in diabetes-related workshops or conferences offers great opportunities to meet others who understand the condition.
Final Thoughts
For me, diabetes support groups and advocacy events have been a lifeline, introducing me to a community of people who truly understand the complexities of living with diabetes. Through shared experiences and mutual support, I’ve built friendships rooted in empathy and understanding. These connections have not only improved my diabetes management but also enriched my life in ways I never expected.
My hope is that others in similar situations will find the same sense of belonging and support that I have been fortunate to discover.
Related topics:
Shorter Glucose Test Post-Pregnancy Could Enhance Diabetes Prevention
Understanding Brittle Diabetes: A Closer Look at Unstable Blood Sugar Fluctuations
Diabetes-Related Deaths Surge in Kerala, Nearly Doubling in a Decade: Report
