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Health Promotion

  • Resources for People with Diabetes

    Living with diabetes means making many changes in your life, and these changes may seem overwhelming. That’s a normal reaction. When you feel down, reach out to your family and friends. Your healthcare team is also there when you have questions or need advice.

    Four people sitting at conference room table, talking.How to Help Yourself

    • Do things that you enjoy, like seeing a favorite movie, reading a good book, or listening to music.

    • Call a good friend just to chat.

    • Take a walk. Physical activity can relieve stress and lift your mood.

    • Stick to your treatment program. Keeping your blood glucose in your target range will help you feel better.

    How to Get Help from Others

    • Talk to your friends and family about how you’re feeling. Give them information, like this healthsheet, to help them understand more about diabetes.

    • Join a diabetes support group. Support groups let you talk to other people with diabetes and share concerns, experiences, and tips for solving problems.

    • Your local library, community center, church group, senior center, or hospital may have information about support groups in your area.

    • Some healthcare organizations support Internet-based “chat groups.”

    Resources

    These organizations provide information, educational programs, and other services. They are there to help you.

    • American Diabetes Association

      800-342-2383

      www.diabetes.org

    • National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse

      800-860-8747

      www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov

    • American Heart Association

      800-242-8721

      heart.org

    • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

      www.eatright.org

    Tell your healthcare provider if you’re feeling helpless or hopeless or are having trouble sleeping or eating. These may be symptoms of depression, a serious but treatable problem.