Receiving a diabetes diagnosis is overwhelming. There is a long list of new terminology to learn, changes to the daily routine and a fear of the unknown.
The one thing to remember throughout the entire process is that you’re not alone.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are “34.2 million Americans (just over 1 in 10) living with diabetes and another 88 million U.S. adults (1 in 3) that have prediabetes.”1
Globally, the numbers are even higher. The International Diabetes Federation, estimates that there are “463 million adults living with Diabetes worldwide and expects this number to increase to 700 million by 2045”2
The key to getting through anything in life, including a diabetes diagnosis is to find support. Patients with a strong support system typically tend to have better healthcare outcomes and are more motivated to take control of managing their diabetes.
Thanks to advances in technology and social media, there are a ton of resources out there but it’s almost too much. It’s important to narrow down the resources to find the information that is right for you. One of our main goals at Quest is to provide that support system so we have put together this quick reference guide to help point you in the right direction. Don’t be overwhelmed just take a deep breath and know that we are here for you.
Consult a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist
Your healthcare provider or primary care physician can refer you to a local diabetes care and education specialist. This is an expert in the field that teaches diabetes patients the best way to prepare for the daily challenges ahead and provides tips on how to stay in control. A diabetes care and education specialist can create individualized goals, suggest meal plans and help to track progress along the way. They provide the knowledge and tools that you need as well as ongoing support.
Find a Support Group
Getting advice from an experienced professional is important but connecting with people who are struggling with the same issues is essential and a key component in establishing a strong support system. Ask your healthcare professional for local groups in your area that meet face-to-face. But, thanks to advances in technology, the number of virtual support groups are on the rise. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter can now connect thousands of patients living with diabetes to create a forum to share tips, get advice and provide emotional support.
Online Resources and Tools
A quick Google search for diabetes support will bring back hundreds of pages of results. There is a wealth of information out there and while it is helpful, it can also seem overwhelming. Here are a few good places to start to gain some knowledge and to help decipher all of the information that exists:
- ❖ American Diabetes Association
- ❖ Center for Disease Control and Prevention
- ❖ Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists
In addition to online resources and websites, there are many books on the market that focus on diabetes education, management and daily living. A trip to a local bookstore or online website will yield plenty of options to choose from. There are also many cookbooks out there that will help plan daily meals and teach healthy ways to manage diabetes through food.
Benefits of Support Groups
“Staying connected with others through online support groups can provide many benefits”3
- ❖ Improved quality of life through shared experiences
- ❖ Useful tips for self-management
- ❖ Provides a sense of community and empowerment to members
- ❖ Prevents feelings of isolation
- ❖ Creates accountability for sticking to goals
- ❖ Fosters motivation and encouragement
- ❖ Learn tips on how to better manage diabetes and tools that can help
Quest Solutions is Here for You
Receiving a diabetes diagnosis is life changing. Finding a support system and educational resources are essential to reducing the stress caused by diabetes. At Quest Health Solutions, we understand this and that is why we are here to provide the support and resources you need. Whether you’re a patient, healthcare provider, diabetic educator or loved one looking for more information, we are here to support you on this journey and make it as stress free as possible. To learn more, contact us 1-877-888-7050 Option 3, Ext. 1011 or email ben@questhealthsolutions.com or schedule an appointment today. In the meantime, please continue to check our blog for more information and let us know about any topics you would like to learn more about in the future.
1. (2020) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at Click Here. Accessed on 3 May 2021.
2. (2020) International Diabetes Federations. About Diabetes. Available at Click Here Accessed on 3 May 2021.
3. (2021) Healthline. Staying Connected: How to Find Online Support for Type 2 Diabetes. Available at Click Here accessed on 4 May 2021.