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

• 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