Resources for People with Diabetes

Living with diabetes means making many changes in your life, and these changes may seem overwhelming. That’s a normal reaction. When you feel down, reach out to your family and friends. Your healthcare team is also there when you have questions or need advice.

How to help yourself

Tips for taking care of yourself include the following: 

• Do things that you enjoy, like seeing a favorite movie, reading a good book, or listening to music.

• Call a good friend just to chat.

• Take a walk or do some gardening. Physical activity can relieve stress and lift your mood.

• Stick to your treatment program. Keeping your blood glucose in your target range will help you feel better.

• If you feel your plan isn't working for you, is too cumbersome, or is too expensive, discuss this with your healthcare providers. 

How to get help from others

Tips for getting help include the following: 

• Talk to your friends and family about how you’re feeling. Give them information, like this health sheet, to help them understand more about diabetes.

• Invite a family member to join you at your next appointment with your diabetes support team so they can learn ways to help support you. 

• Join a diabetes support group. Support groups let you talk to other people with diabetes and share concerns, experiences, and tips for solving problems.

• Your local library, community center, church group, senior center, or hospital may have information about support groups in your area.

• Some healthcare organizations support Internet-based “chat groups.”

Resources

These organizations provide information, educational programs, and other services. They are there to help you.

American Diabetes Association 800-342-2383 www.diabetes.org National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse 800-860-8747 www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov

American Heart Association 800-242-8721 www.heart.org Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics www.eatright.org Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation www.jdrf.org