Gathering support from loved ones
It's important to build a support network of friends and family. But sometimes loved ones don't know the best ways to help you in your self-care efforts. Share tips on how you've successfully enlisted the support of loved ones, or read how others have built their support networks to help them successfully cope with day-to-day living with diabetes.
I have type 2 diabetes! But I am going to do what I need to do to make it better!
Debbie, I’m just as frustrated as you are and know what you’re going through.
I just found out that I have diabetes and I’m so overwhelmed.
For Chesna: Words of support and advice from someone who’s been there.
Happy to admit that my wife is smarter than me—at least when it comes to diet and diabetes.
I was totally burned out on the whole diabetes thing and ready to give up—until my daughter had a heart-to-heart with me.
My family can help me pull through, I just need to open up my heart to them.
If Sherri W. and Debbie N. are still around here I sure would like to connect with you, as I haven’t any support either!
I don’t think anyone around me makes any effort to understand.
Although my friends and family give me verbal support when I ask for it, how can they support me when I live alone?
It’s been 3 months since I found out I have type 2 diabetes, and I don’t know where I’d be without my wife.
Support from loved ones is so important—especially at mealtime.
I have found that getting your family to understand diabetes and getting their support can be challenging. My current husband has never really accepted the fact that this is a disease that I have and that at times I will need assistance in keeping things under control.
I was put on every type of medication in pill form that was possible. I tried different combinations with no favorable results. Then my doctor told me it was time for a change.
She was so scared and thought at first she did something wrong. She told me she tried to bring me a snack...
Diabetes educators…can be a sounding board, coach, or cheerleader; or offer you a shoulder to cry on or hearty pats on the back when you accomplish a goal.
My diabetes is finally under control, and I love to share my story with anyone at anytime.
It was devastating to me to find out that I had diabetes. There was something on the inside that would not let me claim this disease...
Diabetes has not stopped me from doing anything that I have wanted to do, and I won't let it.
I agree with getting support, because I do not have any either...I would love support from another diabetic. I feel like I need some!
Diabetes is a tough lifestyle. We must all remember that this is our life, and it is the only one we are going to get. Make the best of it.
Family support is most important in your fight with diabetes, because family members are the closest ones to you.
Being around people who support and encourage you is definitely a plus in helping with diabetes.
I made it a point not to feel sorry for myself and was determined to manage my diabetes...Basically, it was up to me to take care of this -- no one else could do it.
If I could tell you anything about my story in one sentence, it would be to find your daily support team or person, as without them, you could find yourself in real denial and trouble.
I have no support from family, except for my husband. He stands by me through everything.
I need support dealing with diabetes, as I live alone and some days are just plain hard.
My Mom and Dad are still a great support system for me, as well as my awesome husband and teenage daughter and step-son...I don't know what I would do without them.
I lost my son Marcus Howard...on 10/19/98. He was 35 years old and had been a brittle juvenile diabetic since age 1-1/2 years.
I had such a hard time accepting the seriousness of my condition. It took years to wrap my brain around the fact that I had a chronic condition that needed to be actively managed by me, and in need of tremendous support from my family, friends and colleagues at work.
I look at my children and they give me the will to want to help myself so I am there for them.
I've got the support of my husband, family, dear friends and even my whole neighborhood cheering me. I have endured blisters, pulled ligaments, leaky umbrellas, and I have lost 97 lbs, I walk 8 miles a day, my sugar (blood glucose) is staying at normal levels without any medications, and I feel better than I have felt in years.
I have experienced a lot of ups and downs, but thanks to the support of my husband and my family members, I have always gotten through them.
I'm grateful that I was diagnosed as early as I was so that I could assist our son with his diabetes.
There will always be struggles with diabetes, but having my husband, family and friends to support me makes each day just a little bit easier.
Individual results may vary. This information does not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Be sure to consult your healthcare provider regarding your individual diabetes treatment plan.
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