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Resources for People with DiabetesImage of diabetes support group

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

  • 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. 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.

How to Get Help from Others

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

  • 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.americanheart.org

  • American Dietetic Association

    www.eatright.org

Tell your healthcare provider if you’re feeling helpless or hopeless or are having trouble sleeping or eating. These may be symptoms of depression, a serious but treatable problem.

Online Source: American Heart Association http://www.americanheart.org
Online Source: American Diabetes Association http://www.diabetes.org
Online Source: American Dietetic Association http://www.eatright.org
Online Source: National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/diabetes/ndic.htm
Date Last Reviewed: 7/12/2007
Date Last Modified: 7/12/2007