One of the most important things you can do for yourself if you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is to find support. You have your doctor of course (and maybe a diabetes educator too), but having a group of people to share with can make a world of difference and help you stay on track when you’re having a hard time.
Online support is one of the best ways to connect with others who have type 2 diabetes, and there are many ways to get connected to others through the Internet. You can educate yourself by:
#1 Checking out informative websites like Diabetes What to Know or the ADA‘s website
#2 Finding and reading blogs written by people who are addressing diabetes in a personal and thoughtful way
#3 Joining an online community on Facebook or Twitter where members share and support each other.
The key word here is support. Groups function best when members are committed to helping each other through the tough times. Leave medical advice to the doctors, nurses and diabetes educators and focus on sharing and suggestions. It all goes back to the Golden Rule – treat the members of your online group as you would want to be treated, with kindness. The diabetes journey is not the same for any two people, but groups can remind you that you’re not in this all alone.
There are some great bloggers out there who not only share their own personal story, but can also help educate you. Sample a few – or a lot – until you find the ones that resonate with your own experience, educate you or give you a new perspective. Bloggers welcome comments, so you can have a dialogue, ask questions or share some of your own experiences.
Some Diabetes Blogs We Love
Diabetes Ramblings is written by a busy working mother of five children who is a diabetes advocate and whose mantra we love – moderation not deprivation.
Diabetes While Black addresses the particular challenges that face African Americans with diabetes and focuses on being proactive, educating yourself, managing and exploring the facts of diabetes in this population. Diabetes is just the beginning – not the end.
Exploring Diabetes Type 2 is a more scientific blog, for those who like to keep up with the latest news and studies. Thoughtfully written (and from a male perspective), it keeps a positive attitude, discusses complications and emphasizes the importance of educating yourself.
Kate’s Sweet Success is all about ‘reconnecting with my tribe” and the importance of having a support group when you have diabetes. The blogger takes an honest approach to dealing with the emotional aspects of diabetes, making your health a priority and learning to be a caretaker to yourself.
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.
