Diabetes is a lifelong condition, but you don’t have to face it on your own. A support system of people can help you keep track of your diabetes care and ease stress. It may also benefits your loved ones by giving them a way to help you.
What Can a Support System Do?
Your support network helps you maintain your diabetes in all aspects of your life. Older patients may need their children to make doctor’s appointments and take them to those appointments. Neighbors could keep an eye out for each other and even hold onto emergency contact information in case something happens. You might set up a regular date to go jogging with a friend or stick to a diet together. Even your spouse can help you remember to check your blood sugar levels and provide a shoulder to lean on when things seem overwhelming.
Something as simple as asking your loved ones to educate themselves about the signs of hypoglycemia and potential complications of diabetes can be very helpful. Their knowledge may come in handy at some point in the future.
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Who Can Be In Your Support Network?
Anyone can be a part of your support network from friends to your family doctors. Bring in people who you trust and who are willing to help you out. Members of your personal support group may include:
- partner or spouse
- adult children
- friends
- extended relatives
- neighbors
- doctors
There may also be a diabetes support group or class operating in your area with regular meetings that you can attend. These groups are great for people who are newly diagnosed, dealing with complications, or who just want a place where they can ask questions and talk about what they are going through with other people who have experienced the same. You may even be able to find a “Health Buddy” in the class who can be a support and guide.
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[expand title=”References“]
Group Support Tips for People With Diabetes. URL Link. August 27th, 2017.
Take the Next Step: Tips To Help You Reach Your Diabetes Management Goals. URL Link. August 27th, 2017.
Getting Support. URL Link. August 27th, 2017.
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