Where to Find Support in Your Diabetes Journey

Look for the right care team and ask loved ones for help in managing your Type 2 diabetes.

Written by Marisa Taylor Karas | Reviewed by Preeti Parikh, MD

Updated on January 9, 2023

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Roger Hare and Nikki Nurse, who both live with Type 2 diabetes, have  learned the importance of finding support while managing their condition.

“It’s extremely important that you surround yourself with a good team [of] medical professionals that can help encourage you and hold you accountable,” says Hare.

Here are the ways they have found helpful for feeling supported with Type 2 diabetes:

• Look for a medical team that makes you feel supported: Finding the right primary-care provider in addition to other specialists like a nutritionist or endocrinologist can help you feel balanced in managing your illness. 

• Be open to finding other providers who may be a better fit: If you don’t feel comfortable with your providers, you may want to seek a second or even a third opinion. Keep in mind that it’s important to not delay care or make too many constant changes in your team, or it may be hard for the care team to get to know you and your disease.

• Ask loved ones for help with everyday tasks so you have time for self-care: Stress can possibly make diabetes worse, so asking for help around the house or hiring outside help can give you extra time to take care of yourself.

• Ask loved ones to join you in making lifestyle changes: When the rest of your family or friends are on board with healthy food choices and exercise, it may b e easier to keep yourself healthy, too.

• Include a mental health professional on your care team: Talking with someone and addressing your mental health may make it easier to take care of your physical health.

You can read more about Nikki’s experience with Type 2 diabetes here, and Roger’s experience with Type 2 diabetes here.

Additional Medical Contributors (2)

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• Roger HareRoger Hare is a 48-year-old accountant from New Jersey who has lived with diabetes since 2019.
• Nikki NurseNikki Nurse is a writer, wellness advocate, caregiver, and content creator based in Brooklyn. She covers fitness, nutrition, mental health, and personal development.

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References

American Diabetes Association. (N.D.). Understanding diabetes and mental health. 

American Heart Association. (2021). Working with your diabetes health care team. 

View All References (1)

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Hilliard, Marisa E., et al. (2016). Current Diabetes Reports.Stress and A1c among people with diabetes across the lifespan.

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