It is estimated that by 2030 more than 500 million people will be living with it worldwide.Type 2 diabetes.
received a diagnosis ofType 2 diabetesand learning to manage your condition can be overwhelming and confusing.people with diabetesthey spend an estimated 8,000 hours per year self-managing their condition, in addition to time spent in a healthcare setting. Support groups can be a helpful addition to your diabetes management team, along with guidance and mentoring from your healthcare providers.
Read on for information on select online and in-person support groups.
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Diabetic support groups are not a substitute for professional medical care. It's important to research groups before joining them and always check the information you get from support groups and their members.
Siege the Diabetes Foundation
key specs
- membership fee: Frei
- Structure: research tool
- details: Allows you to search for contact information by status
- things to consider: Not a support group, but rather a tool to find a support group.
The Defeat Diabetes Foundation (DDF) has been in existence for over 30 years. Its mission is to find sustainable solutionshelp prevent,identifyand control type 2 diabetes. Raises awareness about diabetes by providing research-based information to communities and individuals. DDF offers action-oriented steps anyone can take to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes, including information on diet and exercise and comprehensive resources on its website.
DDF provides outreach and helps people connect with community-based impact programs. In addition to the information on their website, they offer a subscription newslettera search toolFind self-help groups.
American Diabetes Association
key specs
- membership fee: Varies by program
- Structure: Individual programs, online information, diabetes education
- details: extensive resource that offers the opportunity to network with professionals and colleagues
- things to consider: Covers a wide range of diabetes-related topics, including education, research, legal rights, and more
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is a large organization made up of a network of more than 565,000 volunteers (plusfamilies and caregivers), more than 250 employees, and a professional society of nearly 16,000 health care providers.
ADA aims to prevent diabetes and improve the lives of people affected by diabetes. They fund research, provide community services, provide reliable information, and advocate for the rights of people with diabetes.
The ADA operates a recognizedDiabetes Awareness Programbacked by certified educators who help people with diabetes gain practical information about their condition and gain skills and confidence as they navigate life with diabetes. A referral from your diabetes healthcare provider is required to participate in the program.
The ADA also offers an after school program forChildren from 5 to 12 years oldcalledproject power. The program promotes a healthy lifestyle that can helpPrevent type 2 diabetesand empower children to develophealthy habits for life.
The program is free and offered in person or virtually. check thewebsitefor available dates and times.
Beyond type 2
key specs
- membership fee: Frei
- Structure: Online community
- details: An online platform that allows you to connect with other people with type 2 diabetes, find resources, ask questions, have discussions, etc. Available in English and Spanish.
- things to consider: Request to join by answering two questions (why you want to join and where did you hear about it) and then wait for approval
Beyond Type 2 is a program that grew out of the non-profit organization Beyond Type 1. Founded in 2015, Beyond Type 1 launched Beyond Type 2 in 2019.
Beyond Type 2 offers a platform for people withType 2 diabetesAConnect with an online communitywhere they ask questions, share experiences, share ideas and resources, and more. The program is available in English and Spanish.
Beyond type 2is supported by a partnership between the American Diabetes Association and Beyond Type 1.
Carenity: Type-2-Diabetes-Community
key specs
- membership fee: Frei
- Structure: Online forum
- details: An online forum where members can ask for advice, seek and provide support, and discuss topics related to diagnosis, treatment, and nutrition.
- things to consider: Carenity is a general website for many health issues. The Type 2 Diabetes Forum is a community within the largest site
Carenity is an online community that offers social networking through news, discussion forums, private messages and more.
Under the umbrella of Carenity isa specific section for people with type 2 diabetes.
diabetic sisters
key specs
- membership fee: Frei
- Structure: online forum, online and face-to-face meetings
- details: Peer support and education for people with all forms of diabetes
- things to consider: This resource is for women only.
Founded in 2008, DiabetesSisters is an organization run bywomen with diabeteswhich provides educational and support services to help women with diabetes thrive. Peer support is a fundamental part of the organization.
DiabetesSisters Capan online forumthrough which women with diabetes can get in touch with each other.
DiabetesSisters also has a program calledPart of the DiabetesSisters (PODS) meetingsfor womenfrom 18 yearsliving with any type of diabetes, includingprediabetes. You can check the featured list on your Meetups page, check theirsevents calendar, or complete onePODS-Zinsformularto connect to a meeting.
your diabetes
key specs
- membership fee: Frei
- Structure: Online forum
- details: A collection of discussion forums separated by category
- things to consider: This page consists of member discussions only, not expert advice.
your diabetesis an online community for people withall types of diabetes. It is a program of the non-profit organization Beyond Type 1 and is sponsored by the Diabetes Hands Foundation. As of 2014, it had over 35,000 registered members.
The message board content is selected by members and should not be used as a primary source of information, but rather as a starting point in your search or as a supplement to expert advice.
diabetes daily
key specs
- membership fee: Frei
- Structure: online forum
- details: Discussion forums separated by topic
- things to consider: The site and its forums address all types of diabetes, so you'll need to look specifically for type 2 diabetes-related topics and information.
Diabetes Daily was founded in 2005 after one of its founders was diagnosedDiabetes type 1and saw the need for community support for people living with diabetes.
Diabetes Daily hat Online-Forenthrough his website and also helps people connect through Facebook, Twitter, and email. Its online community consists of almost 1 million members.
The Diabetes Daily website provides information on this.Diabetes, includingrecipes.
online vs. local group
Both online and face-to-faceDiabetesGroups foster a community that includes things like:
- friends support
- Advocacy
- Self presentation
- share information
- seek and give advice
Some advantages of an online support group are:
- easier access
- More flexibility in terms of when and how the community is accessed
- An opportunity for anonymity for whoever wants it
- The ability to silently observe without participating, for those who are unwilling to share
- cost effectiveness
Online support groups can also have disadvantages, such as:
- High access to misinformation, some of which can be harmful
- Potential privacy and security risks
- less staff
- Increased potential for bullying and misbehavior due to the “online disinhibition effect”
In-person support groups can be more difficult to plan because they require a venue (for example, places of worship, classrooms, or community centers) and occur at a time that must be included in participants' calendars.
Although less convenient, some people prefer face-to-face groups because they allow for a more personal, face-to-face connection. They can also foster relationships with locals who may have common interests outside of their state. Personal groups also provide an opportunity tosocial activitiesand guest speakers.
Summary
Support groupsit can help people with type 2 diabetes connect with others who have the same condition. These groups allow for mutual support, sharing information and resources, reducing frustration, offering encouragement, and more.
Support groups can exist in person or online (for example, on online forums or social media).
The information found in support groups is not always accurate and should be verified. Support groups are not a substitute for professional medical care.
A word from Verywell
Whether you've just been diagnosed or have been living with type 2 diabetes for a while, you may find ita self help groupadvantageous.
Do your research before joining any in-person or online group to make sure it's a credible resource, and talk to your doctor before using medical advice you get from other members.
frequent questions
Where can I find online diabetes support groups?
(Video) Self Care Week 2017 - Diabetes programme teaches new skills to reduce blood sugar levelsLooking at trusted diabetes organizations like the American Diabetes Association and Beyond Type 1/Beyond Type 2 is a good place to start. Check the community links on these sites to find online forums or links to support groups.
Learn more:Everything you need to know about disability support groups
What is the best way to support people with diabetes?
There are several ways you can help someone with diabetes, including:
- Find out about your status
- See you as an individual with unique needs
- Participation in their appointments (if they wish)
- Ask what they need and listen to what they say.
- Recognize that managing diabetes can be time consuming and allow time for blood sugar checks and other necessary procedures during your plans together.
- Respect their boundaries and don't expect them to share everything about their condition or experiences with you
- Understand that changes in blood sugar level can cause mood swings
- The same lifestyle and activity choices as a healthy diet and physical activity.
- Know how to recognize the signs of low blood sugar and what to do about it
Learn more:Support someone with diabetes
(Video) Living Well Diabetes-Self Management Program: Joann Frankenberry :15 | UPMC Western Maryland