One of the most important things you can do after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is to find support. You already have your doctor (and maybe a diabetes educator), but having a community of people who truly understand what you’re going through can make a world of difference—especially on hard days.
Online support is one of the easiest and most effective ways to connect with others living with type 2 diabetes. There are many ways to find support and learn from others online, including:
- Checking out informative websites like ours, or the ADA‘s website.
- Finding and reading blogs written by people who are addressing diabetes in a personal and thoughtful way.
- Joining an online community on Facebook or Twitter where members share and support each other.
The key word here is support. Groups work best when members are committed to helping one another through the tough times. Medical advice should be left to doctors, nurses, and diabetes educators, while the focus stays on sharing experiences and offering encouragement. It all comes back to the Golden Rule—treat members of your online group with the same kindness and respect you’d want for yourself. No two diabetes journeys are the same, but support groups can remind you that you’re not in this alone.
There are also many excellent bloggers who share their personal experiences while helping educate others. Take time to explore a few until you find voices that resonate with your own journey, teach you something new, or offer a fresh perspective. Most bloggers welcome comments, making it easy to ask questions, start conversations, and share your own experiences.
Finding a blogger or an online community you like can be like finding a friend to share your diabetes journey with. One day, you may need some help and the next day you may be offering your own tips for dealing with a problem – that’s what makes these groups so invaluable. You’re not in this alone, so spend a little time getting yourself connected by checking some blogs and websites or joining an online group on Facebook, like the Diabetes What to Know Community, to share experiences with others who understand.
The medical information on Diabetes – What To Know’s website is provided as an information resource only. The content is not in any way intended to be nor should you rely on it as a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, advice and treatment.
