United States
AT
AU
BE
CA
CH
CN
CZ
DE
DK
ES
FI
FR
GR
HR
HU
IE
IL
IN
IT
JP
NL
NO
PL
PT
RO
RU
SE
SK
TR
UK
ZA
Menu
Alert: Product and Recall Notices4 Forms Of Diabetes Support
You don’t need to feel alone in your journey with diabetes. Whether you’re interested in joining a lively online community, in need of advice from someone who understands what you’re going through, or looking for educational tools to help you or a loved one manage diabetes, there’s resources and support out there for you. Peer support can be found in many different places, and can truly make a huge difference on how you not only manage you or your loved ones diabetes, but also cope with it, too.
1. Local Support Groups
Local support groups are a great way to find peer support. These face to face meetings give you an opportunity to meet people in your community that are also managing diabetes, either for themselves or a loved one. You may learn about different diabetes management techniques you have not tried before, the latest in diabetes technology, and just have that person that is willing to listen and understand. Find a local support group near you through ADA, JDRF, or Diabetes Meetup.
2. Social Media
Social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter offer a lot of opportunities for peer support. Whether you’re living with type 1, type 2, or LADA, or are a parent, caregiver, spouse, or child of a person with diabetes, Facebook has several diabetes related groups you can join to ask questions, voice concerns, and share personal experiences. This is also a great place to learn about new technology, diabetes management, healthy eating, and find blogs written by other people with diabetes. You can also easily reach people from all across the world, which means at any time of the day, there will be someone to talk with.
3. MiniMed Ambassadors
Making a connection with someone who has been through similar experiences is invaluable. Whether you’re just diagnosed, have questions about living with an insulin pump and/or continuous glucose monitor (CGM), or facing new challenges as a parent of a child with diabetes, connect with a MiniMed Ambassador who’s been there too. They are available to have honest one-to-one conversations about first-hand experiences of life with diabetes, and can help you have a better understanding of what life is like on an insulin pump and CGM.
4. Diabetes Communities and Blogs
There are several diabetes communities and blogs to connect with others living with or caring for someone with diabetes to share knowledge, stories, and support, and build long-lasting friendships. Here’s a few:
- JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research. Share knowledge, stories, and support in one of their online groups, connect with a mentor who’s been in your shoes, or email their online diabetes support team for 1:1 support.
- American Diabetes Association (ADA) strives to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by this disease. Participate in one of the various message boards or explore events in your community.
- Glu is an online patient and caregiver community focused on driving faster, better research to improve outcomes in type 1 diabetes. Join one of the many groups focused on topics you’re interested in most, read a variety of articles from parenting and nutrition, to educational information, or learn about the latest research.
- Diabetes Daily is an online type 1 and type 2 diabetes community focused on helping people with diabetes thrive. Join one of the diabetes forums, or read one of many articles focused on all things diabetes.
Related Post
About Author
Editorial Team
LOOP Blog Editorial TeamAt Medtronic Diabetes our vision is to transform diabetes care together for greater freedom and better health. Each word in that statement is important – including the one “together”. We’re a group of passionate people working hard to make a big positive impact on the lives of those with diabetes. But we can’t do it alone. Collaboration is key. With healthcare providers, academic institutions, non-profits and other companies. And, most importantly, with you – the people who live with diabetes every day.
Hello my name is M.J. . I jave been diabetic for 5 years now . My doc perscribed Metiforman in the beginning in witch my blood sugar droped too low . I have had high blood suagr sense from about 160 to 240 . My question is . . . Is it normal to feel doomed and suisidle ?
Hi MJ, I’m sorry to hear about the troubles you’ve been having. This is definitely something that you should talk to your healthcare team about so you can obtain immediate help.
After working in the medical field for many years, I find this article super helpful for the elderly and their loved ones! I’ve seen first hand how hard this disease can be to manage especially in the aging population. Knowing there are several different outlets for support is key. Local groups are wonderful for those who can still get out and about. The social media is great for those at home.
Thanks for the great article!
I’m trying to log on to upload glucose readings from my pump . I set everything and have successfully done. But presently can’t log on. Your system is horrible
William, I’m sorry to hear you’re having trouble logging on. I’ll share your information with our HelpLine Team and have someone reach out to try to help.
Medtronic should provide more background & transparency about their “MiniMed Ambassadors” program. A while back someone added the fact that they were a MiniMed Ambassador to their signature. The result was people questioning whether they were a paid spokesperson for Medtronic and if Medtronic was controlling what they said. It was not just the idle crank, but the forum administrators as well. Needless to say I haven’t seen posts from that person since.
Hi John, the MiniMed Ambassadors are a group of experienced Medtronic customers who volunteer their time to talk with others living with diabetes who have questions about what it’s like to manage it with an insulin pump and CGM. We encourage our Ambassadors to be transparent about not only their participation in the program but also about their experiences with our products and services. This includes sharing both positive and negative experiences so that others can have a realistic expectation of what managing diabetes with an insulin pump and CGM is like. MiniMed Ambassadors are not compensated to participate in the program. If you have other specific questions regarding our MiniMed Ambassador program please email me at loopblog@medtronic.com. I’d be happy to schedule some time to chat with you.
I just want to reflect what Joel Abbey posted. I joined the Minimed Ambassadors program about a year ago. I tease that the only compensation I’ve received is “a t-shirt and a water bottle”. The reality IS that the program has allowed me to help many others with the daily adventures of Type 1 Diabetes. I was diagnosed 30 years ago, and would’ve really appreciated a group to support me long ago. The whole point is that sometimes you just want to talk with someone who lives the same thing you do, and isn’t a health provider or salesperson. We are educated about the disease, but strictly instructed that we do not give medical advice, and do not sell product. We share our experiences, and most of all, try to listen. I hope this helps you understand, and if you are intrigued, check out the Ambassadors page:
http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/connect