0

Living with Diabetes Module 07

1

7. Module 07: Being healthy

Table of Contents

7. Module 07: Being healthy ......................................................................................................................................... 1

7.1 Long-Term Management for a Happy, Healthy Life ............................................................................... 3

7.2 It’s Okay to not be Okay ........................................................................................................................ 3

7.2.1 Accepting the Disease ....................................................................................................................... 4

7.2.2 Healthy Coping ................................................................................................................................. 5

7.3 Developing and Sticking with a Treatment Plan .................................................................................... 6

7.3.1 Initial Plan ......................................................................................................................................... 0

7.3.2 Ongoing Management ....................................................................................................................... 0

7.4 Finding the Right Doctors, Clinics and Practitioners .............................................................................. 1

7.4.1 Primary Care Physician (PCP) .......................................................................................................... 2

7.4.2 Endocrinologist ................................................................................................................................. 3

7.4.3 Care Manager .................................................................................................................................... 4

7.4.4 Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) .................................................................................................. 4

7.4.5 Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) ........................................................................................... 5

7.4.6 Dentist ............................................................................................................................................... 6

7.4.7 Ophthalmologist (eye doctor) ........................................................................................................... 7

7.4.8 Podiatrist (foot doctor) ...................................................................................................................... 8

7.4.9 Pharmacist ......................................................................................................................................... 9

7.5 How to Prepare for Emergencies ........................................................................................................ 10

7.5.1 Preparing for Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) ............................................................................. 11

7.5.2 Diabetic Hyperglycemia ................................................................................................................. 12

7.5.3 Sick Day Management .................................................................................................................... 13

2

7.5.4 Preparing for Natural Disasters (tornado, hurricane, flood, etc) ..................................................... 14

7.6 Diabetes at School and in the Workplace............................................................................................ 15

7.6.1 Diabetes in School .......................................................................................................................... 15

7.6.2 Diabetes in the Workplace .............................................................................................................. 16

7.7 Getting Support from Family and Friends............................................................................................ 17

7.8 Reach Out: Online Communities, Forums and Groups ....................................................................... 19

7.9 Diabetes Resources in Your Area ....................................................................................................... 21

3

7.1 Long-Term Management for a Happy, Healthy Life

Diabetes is a chronic disease that may change throughout your lifetime, but it does not define you. This module

will help you prepare for various situations you might encounter and how to adapt your diabetes management

plan for the long haul, so YOU are in control…not diabetes!

In this module, we will cover the following topics:

It’s Okay to Not be “Okay”

Developing and Sticking with a Treatment Plan

Finding the Right Doctors, Clinics, and Practitioners

How to Prepare for Emergencies

Diabetes at School and in the Workplace

Getting Support from Family and Friends

Reaching Out: Online Communities, Forums and Groups

Diabetes Resources in Your Area

7.2 It’s Okay to not be Okay

The day-to-day management of a disease like diabetes is often tiring. Diabetes doesn’t take a vacation. It keeps

right on going whether you are busy, traveling, sick, stressed or celebrating. It’s important to take a deep

breath sometimes and put the disease in perspective.

Remember…

Diabetes is a very common and well-studied disease, so there are LOTS of known ways to manage

it.

What controls your blood sugar this week/month/year may not work next week/month/year.

Multiple environmental factors (food, exercise, stress and illness) contribute to your blood sugar

readings along with uncontrollable factors (aging, heredity and race).

4

You are unique, so your plan should be unique

People don’t die from diabetes. In fact, those in good control lead normal, healthy lives. It’s when

blood sugar is left uncontrolled that complications can occur.

You likely just need a change to your regimen. Just because your blood sugar may not be in good

control now, doesn’t mean it won’t improve in a few weeks or months.

Do not keep worries to yourself. When you are worried about uncontrolled blood sugars, new

symptoms, or about the future, share your concerns with your healthcare team and surround

yourself with a supportive network of family, friends or other groups. They can help you get back

on track if you have strayed away from your current plan, or develop a new one if needed.

7.2.1 Accepting the Disease

The diagnosis of a chronic disease is scary. People come to accept the diagnosis in different ways – remember

the 5 stages that come before acceptance? Here are the most common thoughts that diabetics have as they

work through the emotional stages of accepting their diabetes diagnosis.

Denial – “I don’t have any symptoms”…“I’ve just been eating bad lately”…“I feel fine…”it’s

not a big deal”

Anger/Guilt – “Why me?”…”I should have eaten better /exercised more / lost weight…It’s my

parents’ fault for not taking better care of my diet”

Bargaining – “If I lose enough weight can I stop taking my meds / insulin?”…”If I eat this

avocado, that means I can have cake for dessert”

Depression – “I never get a break”…”No matter how hard I try, I can’t get my blood sugar

down”…”I deserve to be sick, I must have done something wrong”…”my life is over now that I

have diabetes”

Acceptance – “What methods can I use to keep this in good control?”…”Where can I learn

more?”…”How can I still do the things I want?”

5

If you still aren’t convinced that you really have diabetes, ask yourself one question…“Can it really hurt to

make some healthy lifestyle changes anyway?” Most likely you’ll find the answer to that question is “No”. In

that case, why not get started?

7.2.2 Healthy Coping

The sooner you accept the diagnosis of diabetes, the sooner you can start to get on with life! Studies show

certain coping strategies, like the ones listed below, contribute to better long-term outcomes of diabetes

overall.

Be optimistic. An overall attitude of embracing the challenges (and opportunities) diabetes brings

lessens the stress of the disease itself.

Focus on what you can control – food intake, exercise, managing stress.

Don’t worry about what you can’t control – aging, family history, etc.

Pay attention to your mood. Are you more tense, tired, or emotional than usual? Maybe it’s time

for a break.

Get educated. You’re doing it right now! Education is empowerment to make wise decisions.

Don’t change everything at once. Pick one area you’re ready to work on, and just give good

attention to that first. Once that becomes a habit, move on to another area.

You will have good days and bad days. Friends and family may try to “help”, but you may just want to be left

alone. You may need to take some time away from work or school. You may need to work with a therapist or

counsellor to work through your feelings. There is no right or wrong way to cope. This is why we say “it’s ok

to not be ok” – because realistically you will experience some degrees of denial, grief, anger, frustration,

stress, and self-pity.

Recognizing your emotions and allowing yourself to feel them without guilt is healthy. But then move on. It

isn’t productive to dwell on what you CAN’T do – resolve the problem, accept the outcome, and live your

best life anyway!

6

7.3 Developing and Sticking with a Treatment Plan

This section identifies particular things to do initially to learn about the disease and gain control, as well as

steps to help continue that control throughout the many changes in life.

When you are first diagnosed with diabetes, it may take a few weeks to a few months to identify the most

effective ways to keep your blood sugars in good control. You may even feel like you are under a microscope

until that initial plan is figured out. Have no fear. Stick with it - It will get easier!

Keep in mind that the best treatment plan has you at the center of it. In later sections you will learn about

what practitioners and support people to surround yourself with, but most importantly, even the best laid plan

will not be successful, if it doesn’t fit you and the way you want to live your life.

0

7.3.1 Initial Plan

#1) Start checking and logging your blood sugar to look for patterns.

Your doctor or health practitioner will give you some guidelines of how often to check your blood sugar and what the target ranges should be. This is a time to

express any concerns you have about the timing of blood sugar checks, if you are unsure of how to fit them into your already busy schedule.

#2) Get educated about diabetes

This course is a great first step, but it may also help to enroll in a diabetes management class in your community to get in-person support, and resources in your

area.

#3) Start slowly changing diet.

Slow is the key word here. First, make changes that can have a lot of impact on lowering blood sugar quickly.

Reduce or eliminate sugary drinks (soda, energy drinks, juice, and other sweetened beverages).

Cut back on sugary desserts or starchy snacks (cakes, pies, candy, chips, crackers).

Avoid skipping meals.

1

#4) Increase physical activity.

Go for a short walk after dinner or during your lunch hour.

Park farther away from the door when shopping or take the stairs whenever possible

#5) Discuss what medications or insulin are necessary

Frequent adjustments may be needed in the beginning.

This is a learning period for both you and your doctor. It doesn’t mean you are doing anything wrong.

0

7.3.2 Ongoing Management

Since diabetes is known as a chronic (lifelong) and progressive disease, it’s important to recognize from the

beginning that the way you manage it may need to change over time. Maintaining good blood sugar control is

a lifelong goal. Adapting your management plan to the changes in life can lessen the disease’s burden.

Don’t let these common triggers derail your control. Talk with your care team to get a plan in place to handle

them.

Weight gain

Ongoing conditions hampering physical activity

Sick days or ongoing illness

Surgeries

Necessary treatments with side effects of causing hyperglycemia (i.e. steroids, chemotherapy)

Changes in your budget or living situation

Aging – this one might sound strange, but sometimes just the sheer aging process causes changes

inside the body that can worsen diabetes control.

While these may cause setbacks in your control, do not be discouraged. That just means it’s time for a change

in the way you and your healthcare team manage the disease.

1

7.4 Finding the Right Doctors, Clinics and Practitioners

There are several health care providers that make up a good diabetes care team. These may include:

Primary Care or Family Practice Physician

Endocrinologist (studies the endocrine system – thyroid, pancreas, pituitary gland, etc., and

hormones)

Care Manager

Certified Diabetes Educator

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Dentist

Ophthalmologist (eye doctor)

Podiatrist (foot doctor)

Pharmacist

Again, remember that you are at the center of your healthcare team. It’s okay to have high expectations of the

practitioners around you. The right practitioners will support you where you are, not try to mold you into a

perfect patient.

If you feel like you would like to consult one or all of these practitioners, ask your primary care provider for

referrals. It’s great to do research on your own and find top experts in your area, but your doctor may be better

positioned to make recommendations based on your unique needs, and your overall treatment plan

2

7.4.1 Primary Care Physician (PCP)

Your PCP is typically listed a family practice or internal medicine doctor. Most PCP’s are familiar with

treating pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes and can manage your overall basic care. Children or adults with type

1 diabetes or those in certain other circumstances would benefit from the care of an endocrinologist (see

section 5.3.2 Endocrinologist).

You should see your PCP every 3-6 months depending on how well controlled your blood sugar is – sooner

with poor control or lots of complications; less often with good control. A good physician will follow specific

guidelines to monitor several areas of your diabetes at regular intervals. These intervals vary by type of

diabetes, age and duration. Key areas include:

Weight

Blood pressure

Foot Exam

Hemoglobin A1C (blood draw to check average blood sugar for past 3 months)

Cholesterol check (blood draw)

Microalbumin (analysis of urine sample to check kidney function)

Depression screening

Remember, you are your own best health advocate. If your doctor is not monitoring for these complications,

ask why or seek another more qualified health professional in whom you can feel confident.

3

7.4.2 Endocrinologist

An endocrinologist specializes in diseases of the endocrine system – diabetes being one of them. Not everyone

needs to see an endocrinologist, but people who would benefit include:

Children with Type 1 – recommend pediatric endocrinologist (if available)

A dults with Type 1 on an insulin pump or with frequent blood sugar fluctuations

People with Type 2 if…

o on an insulin pump requiring setting changes

o having complications or pending surgeries that require tight control quickly

o with uncontrolled blood sugar and lack of medication changes *

o with uncontrolled blood sugar and too many medication changes with continued poor

control *

o Hint: in either of these two cases your PCP is not controlling it effectively or quick enough

o with lack of confidence in the care of diabetes through PCP

Women with gestational diabetes

Additionally, since an endocrinologist specializes in diabetes they will have very good knowledge of advances

in medication, insulin and other treatments. New diabetes therapies are coming out at a very fast rate and

endocrinologists are typically the first to find out about and use them. PCP’s may be unaware of the newest

drugs on the market, therefore uneducated or uncomfortable in prescribing the newest treatment options.

4

7.4.3 Care Manager

Care managers are becoming a more common and beneficial part of the healthcare team.

A care manager is typically a registered nurse that works with your doctor’s office or for your

insurance company.

Their focus is to help you stay on track with managing the disease between visits to the doctor.

They may provide motivational counseling, diet or exercise guidance, symptom management and

ensure you are able to obtain and take your medications as directed.

Ask if your doctor’s office offers this service or call your insurance company to see what diabetes

care programs they have available by phone or online.

7.4.4 Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)

The CDE should be a key part of your healthcare team.

A CDE is a health clinician certified in teaching about diabetes treatment and self-management

strategies

They are specially trained to quickly identify factors contributing to poor control as well as ways

to improve.

They help with developing an individualized plan for self-care at home, school or work to handle

the day-to-day challenges of the disease, as well as preparing for situations that may affect

diabetes control.

They are often seen on an annual basis, but most important times include:

o Upon initial diagnosis

o When new factors are present complicating diabetes management

o During transitions in care (i.e. health or living situation changes, aging or financial

concerns)

5

7.4.5 Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

An RDN specializes in food and nutrition and is the best source of current and reliable information on meal

planning for diabetes.

RDN’s are found in many environments including outpatient centers, hospital systems, clinics,

physician offices and even private practice.

An RDN avoids standardized diets and instead will assess your health, habits and lifestyle and

work with you to develop an individualized meal plan that fits your life. Many even help with

things like grocery shopping, food budgeting, healthy cooking and adapting to school or college

environments or social situations involving food.

There are certain times when it is particularly beneficial to meet with an RDN:

o Upon your initial diagnosis to learn how to eat with diabetes and get a meal plan

established.

o Whenever changes occur in health, living situation or budget. The RDN can work with

you to revise your plan to meet your new needs.

o If you have had a major weight loss or gain as your caloric and nutrition needs should be

recalculated.

o When you have gotten away from healthy habits and need help getting back on track.

6

7.4.6 Dentist

Since periodontal (gum) disease is more common in people with diabetes, a dentist is also a vital part of the

diabetes care team.

Visit a dentist at least annually for an exam or more often if a dental disease or issue is present

and needing treatment.

Make sure to let your dentist know that you have diabetes as they will watch for changes in your

mouth that may arise due to the disease.

They will also take special precautions with blood sugar monitoring during dental work for the

best outcome of surgeries and healing afterwards.

7

7.4.7 Ophthalmologist (eye doctor)

Having regular eye exams is important, but with diabetes there are more potential eye complications to be

evaluated for, so an ophthalmologist is recommended.

An ophthalmologist specializes in diseases or conditions of the eyes and surgical procedures to

correct or control those conditions.

Certain complications like retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic macular edema are more

common in people with diabetes - especially uncontrolled diabetes.

The eye doctor should complete a dilated eye exam which can detect and monitor these potential

complications to prevent or delay damaging effects to your eyesight.

Frequency recommended:

o Type 1 – 5 years after diagnosis, then annually

o Type 2 – shortly after diagnosis, then annually

Note: doctor may specify more frequent visits if high risk for eye disease or less often with normal

exams

8

7.4.8 Podiatrist (foot doctor)

Your feet are another potentially vulnerable area to monitor when you have diabetes. While your PCP can

perform foot exams, your feet may eventually require more in-depth care which a podiatrist can provide.

A podiatrist is a physician and surgeon that specializes in care of the feet.

As reviewed in earlier modules, diabetic neuropathy can lead to complications like foot ulcers.

Good blood sugar control along with early detection and treatment of foot issues like neuropathy

is important to prevent amputations.

A comprehensive foot exam is recommended annually.

Additionally, podiatrists can do nail trims and surgical procedures to safely correct foot issues as

well as refer you for diabetic shoes.

9

7.4.9 Pharmacist

Last, but not least, your pharmacist is another important provider on your team. There are multiple ways

pharmacists help people with diabetes including:

Reviewing your medications or insulin for interactions with other medications or supplements

you take.

Discussing side affects you may have from new medications being prescribed.

Ensuring your clear understanding of how and when to take your medication or insulin.

Identifying alternatives if your current meds become unavailable or unaffordable.

Providing certain needed vaccinations.

Some are even able to help with identifying changes to your medical plan that can benefit your

out-of-pocket drug costs (if any).

Always be sure your pharmacist is aware of all the medications and over-the-counter supplements you take,

even if you don’t purchase them from the same place.

10

7.5 How to Prepare for Emergencies

Emergencies can happen at any time. Some, like natural disasters, for which anyone could be affected; and

others which are more specific to people with diabetes. There are certain things you should always do to

prepare for an emergency.

Wear a medical alert.

It is quick way for others to know you have diabetes.

It may be in the form of jewelry like a bracelet or necklace or even a tattoo that specifically

denotes diabetes.

Carry a medication list.

It allows medical personnel to give you effective treatment faster.

List all conditions for which you have been diagnosed and the medications and doses you take.

Include any medication allergies.

Include your emergency contacts and healthcare team phone numbers.

Update it on a regular basis.

While your blood sugar may not be in perfect control every day, there are certain times that are considered

diabetic emergencies requiring immediate treatment. These times include:

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Diabetic hyperglycemia (conditions associated with high blood sugar)

11

7.5.1 Preparing for Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

As you’ve already learned, Hypoglycemia is when your blood sugar drops below the normal range. A low

blood sugar can occur anytime and anywhere, and it can quickly progress if not taken care of immediately. It

does not always mean a trip to the doctor or hospital, and in fact a good emergency preparedness plan may

help prevent that.

Make sure you and others around you know how to recognize the signs and symptoms of

hypoglycemia and are comfortable and capable of treating it properly (see Module 3).

Carry or have close access to your medical kit at all times. In addition to your medication list,

your everyday medical kit should include:

o glucometer and testing supplies

o glucose source (tablets/gel)

o stabilizing snack (crackers and peanut butter, trail mix, protein bar)

o your diabetes medications

o insulin pen or vials with a cold pack (if necessary)

o glucagon (if recommended by doctor)

o ketone strips (if necessary)

Don’t wait. If blood sugar continues to drop despite multiple attempts to treat, or if the person

with diabetes is unconscious, contact emergency medical personnel immediately.

Notify your doctor of frequent hypoglycemia (more than twice weekly), as it is cause for a

change in your diabetes management plan.

12

7.5.2 Diabetic Hyperglycemia

You may experience blood sugar fluctuations as changes are made to your diabetes management plan. Outside

of that, there are other times when blood sugars may rapidly get out of control causing dangerous conditions

that require medical attention. These conditions include:

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

Most common cause of death in children and young adults with diabetes

Much more common in type 1 diabetes, but may also occur in type 2 when ill

Lack of enough insulin in the body with ketones present

Typically with high blood sugar present (greater than 250 mg/dl or 13.9 mmol/L)

Causes rapid dehydration, ketosis, electrolyte imbalance and acidosis

Happens quickly - within 24 hours

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS)

More common in type 2 diabetes – especially older adults and those undiagnosed

Extreme dehydration with lack of ketones

Very high blood sugar present (greater than 600 mg/dl or 33.3 mmol/L)

Happens slowly - over a period of days or week

13

7.5.3 Sick Day Management

You can take many steps to prevent and deal with diabetic emergencies.

Recognize and (if possible) avoid situations that can lead to lack of insulin or hydration:

pump site failure

missed or delayed insulin or medications

dramatic changes to meal pattern or activity

illness or extreme stress

health changes requiring new medications that interact with blood sugar like steroids or

chemotherapy

Ask your doctor for specific guidelines of when to call their office versus when to go to the

emergency room.

Notify your diabetes doctor immediately of any new medications other doctors may have

prescribed that are known to elevate blood sugar, so they can make a change to your management

plan if needed.

Keep extra pump supplies, insulin and medications on hand, so you don’t run out.

Stock up on sick day foods.

Examples: juice, soda, broth, soup, milk, pudding, yogurt, popsicles

Monitor blood sugar closer. This may require more frequent checking than usual.

Check ketones if necessary – especially with type 1.

Sip on beverages all day long.

If you live alone, consider an emergency alert system. Alternatively, make sure a loved one knows

when you are not feeling well, so they can check on you and be ready if emergency help is needed.

14

7.5.4 Preparing for Natural Disasters (tornado, hurricane, flood, etc)

A natural disaster is not specific to people with diabetes, but an extra level of preparedness is necessary if you

do have the disease. Over and above your everyday medical kit (specified in earlier sections), a disaster kit

should include:

At least 3 days of supplies (pump and testing supplies, medications, insulin and insulin delivery

devices)

Additional glucose treatment or glucagon kits

Batteries for glucometer or pump

3 or more days of food and water

Basic personal hygiene items

Communication device

First aid supplies

Flashlight

Blanket

Since disasters can happen anywhere, be prepared by keeping the kit in easily assessable areas like your home,

car, school or workplace. For some, this may require more than one kit and discussing the placement and plan

with your school or employer (see next section)

15

7.6 Diabetes at School and in the Workplace

Diabetes comes with you everywhere you go including school and work. An effective management plan takes

into account expectations in those environments along with ways to adapt. In most cases, both school and

employers are required to make certain accommodations to ensure good adherence to your plan, and it benefits

them and you to do so. Inability to control blood sugar in these environments may lead to missed school or

work days and contribute to increased stress.

7.6.1 Diabetes in School

There are several things you can do to optimize blood sugar control while in school – whether you’re the

parent of a child with diabetes, or a student yourself. If you feel comfortable disclosing the diabetes to

administration/and or teachers, it can help with overall management.

Make the school aware of the diabetes diagnosis and management plan as soon as it occurs.

Together with the school, develop an individualized plan to accommodate the patient’s needs.

This should include:

o Frequency and timing of blood sugar checks, medication and/or insulin necessary during

the school day as well as where these items will be kept and who will administer.

o General discussion of the meal plan to enable participation in school snacks and parties.

16

o Identification of school personnel trained to recognize hypoglycemia and provide

treatment. This includes glucagon administration if ordered.

o Planning for special circumstances like field trips or other events that change daily

schedule.

At minimum, schedule a conference with school personnel to discuss and update the diabetes

management plan at the beginning of every school year.

7.6.2 Diabetes in the Workplace

Maintaining a normal life is a desire of people with diabetes and work is often a part of that.

Help those in your workplace get educated. If your employer or co-workers don’t understand

the disease and your requirements to manage it properly, they may have an adverse reaction.

Encourage them to get educated. Provide them with reliable resources like the ones in this course.

This will help others grow more comfortable with being around you as you perform treatments in

your plan like checking blood sugar or giving yourself insulin. It may even help others identify

and prevent diabetes in their loved ones!

Talk with your employer about any specific accommodations you need to adhere to your

diabetes management plan (i.e. snack at an unscheduled break time). In doing so, it’s often good

to express that your adherence will help you prevent sick days and missed time.

Don’t accept bullying or poor treatment in response for accommodations for care. There are

many laws in place that protect worker rights and the right to reasonable accommodation for care

of a chronic disease is typically included.

17

7.7 Getting Support from Family and Friends

Support is important in all areas of life, but especially with a chronic disease like diabetes. The daily care

required gets tiring at times and a supportive environment helps with staying on track if you start to feel

overwhelmed. Most people will be supportive, if they only know how.

Encourage loved ones to get educated.

Like your employer, your family and friends are not always able to support you well if they don’t understand

the disease and its requirements for good management.

Educated supporters typically back off on negative peer pressure (i.e. “Come on, this extra dessert won’t really

hurt you that much.”)

At the beginning, be patient with their acceptance. Remember that you too likely struggled (or still are

struggling) to cope with your diagnosis. For family and close friends, they may be figuring out how this will

affect your relationship with them, and what changes they’ll have to make.

Your immediate family, close friends, and roommates should all be aware of how to treat hyperglycemia and

other complications if a they occur. They should also know the location of your medication and kit, and how

to adminster care if you need it.

18

Don’t be afraid to ask for help – specific help.

You may feel frustrated that you aren’t getting support, but your loved ones may not know HOW to give it.

You have to communicate your needs to the people in your life, and it’s best to offer specific solutions.

Adjust meeting times when going out with friends if it conflicts with taking your medication or

following your scheduled meal pattern. Ask them to be patient, and tell them why it’s important

that you’re asking.

When you’re tired or feeling poorly, tell someone. They may offer to help out with chores around

the house or run an errand, or even drive you to see a doctor if you need it.

If you’re feeling blue, call a friend. You may feel better if you have someone to talk to, or they

may suggest ways to get your mind off of it. Any negative situation feels better when you have

someone “in your corner”.

Solicit a partner for exercise. This also increases your safety should a hypoglycemic episode

occur.

If you’re attending a dinner or party, ask the host to accommodate your meal plan if possible, or

ask them if you can bring your own food. Let them know beforehand if you need special

accomodations, and present a few solutions of your own – don’t leave the work all up to them.

Let them get involved. Often two sets of ears and eyes are better than one. If you are comfortable

with it, let your spouse, family, or friend come with you to doctor visits, education classes, and

support groups.

19

7.8 Reach Out: Online Communities, Forums and Groups

There are many ways to get and stay connected with others with diabetes and it is a great idea to do so. Even

with the support of friends and family you can still benefit from the perspective of others dealing with similar

things as you. That is where support groups can help.

Most hospitals or outpatient diabetes centers offer a free support group to attend on a drop-in basis as you

wish.

Your local community center or health center may offer diabetes education classes or meetings for diabetics

– or you may be able to start your own group if none exist in your area.

Diabetes camps are fantastic way for children and adolescents to enjoy a typical camping experience while

being surrounded by peers in a safe environment - and learning along the way.

There are also several online communities and forums that can help. You can choose to connect with others

sharing the same type of diabetes, using the same medical devices or even the same medications. The openness

of the online forums is often just what you need to once again feel that common ground with others.

DiaTribe (https://diatribe.org/diabetes-blogs-and-forums)

American Diabetes Association Support Community (https://community.diabetes.org)

Diabetes UK (https://www.diabetes.org.uk/How_we_help/Community/)

20

Diabetes Community Canada (https://www.diabetescarecommunity.ca/community-forums

Type 1 Diabetes Network – Australia (http://t1dn.org.au/)

These are just a few and there are hundreds of them out there. Just be cautious of who you are connecting

with. If the group has a negative undertone, supports radical or unscientific strategies or refutes your

knowledgeable and trusted sources of information (i.e. your healthcare team), ask yourself whether it is really

providing good and healthy support.

21

7.9 Diabetes Resources in Your Area

Knowing where to find resources can be tricky. Here are some locations to seek reliable information:

Local hospital or outpatient diabetes center

Your doctor’s office

Your insurance company

The pharmaceutical company that makes your medication or insulin

Reputable sources of online health information will typically come from governmental, university or hospital-

based organizations.

International

o Joslin Diabetes Center (www.joslin.org)

United States

o American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org)

o National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (www.niddk.nih.gov)

Canada

o Diabetes Canada (www.diabetes.ca)

o Diabetes Care Community (www.diabetescarecommunity.ca)

United Kingdom

o Diabetes UK (www.diabetes.org/uk)

o Global Diabetes Community (www.diabetes.co.uk)

Australia

o Diabetes Australia (https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/)

o National Diabetes Service Scheme (https://www.ndss.com.au/)