Key Takeaways
- Several diabetes support groups exist, including American Diabetes Association support groups, DiabetesSisters, Defeat Diabetes Foundation support groups, Beyond Type 2, and Carenity.
- Attending diabetes support groups has many benefits, including emotional and mental support, accountability and motivation, and improved clinical outcomes.
- Other types of support available to people with diabetes include cognitive behavioral therapy, diabetes educators, classes, and registered dietitians.
Living with diabetes can get lonely. That’s why many people choose to join a diabetes support group.
These groups, during which people with diabetes support one another emotionally and through sharing practical tips, can be an important part of your care plan.
Read on to learn how to find a diabetes support group in your area, the potential benefits, plus our recommendations for the top diabetes support groups to join.
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How to Find a Diabetes Support Group in Your Area
One of the best ways to find a diabetes support group in your area is to contact your local American Diabetes Association (ADA) office.
If you’re a college student, the College Diabetes Network (CDN) can connect you with other students living with diabetes.
Alternatively, speak with your healthcare team about joining a support group. They may know of local groups you can join.
Virtual vs. In-Person Diabetes Support Groups
It’s important to consider your options when deciding which support group to join.
While in-person diabetes support groups are popular, some people may prefer virtual support groups.
These support groups, including Facebook groups and online forums, can be beneficial because they enable you to connect with people immediately.
This can be an excellent option if you live in a small community where in-person support groups are scarce.
Top Diabetes Support Groups to Join
There are many different diabetes support groups to choose from.
Below are some of the top diabetes support groups you may wish to join.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) Support Groups
The ADA is an organization with a mission to improve the lives of everyone affected by diabetes.
They run diabetes support groups across the U.S. One type of support group is their diabetes education programs, which give people the skills and confidence to manage their diabetes by providing practical tips and advice in a group setting.
To learn more about the support groups offered in your area, visit the ADA website to find the contact information for your local ADA chapter.
DiabetesSisters
DiabetesSisters is a nonprofit organization that aims to improve the health and quality of life of women with diabetes. It offers a range of support to women of all ages with diabetes, from support groups to education.
Their signature program, Part of DiabetesSisters (PODS) Meetups, provides in-person and online support for adult women with diabetes.
These groups offer an open and respectful space during which women can share experiences and encourage each other.
Defeat Diabetes Foundation
Defeat Diabetes Foundation provides a range of community-based programs and outreach.
It supports research-based and sustainable ways of preventing, identifying, and managing type 2 diabetes.
Its diabetes support groups are offered across the U.S. and provide assistance, guidance, and resources for the holistic management of type 2 diabetes.
Visit their website to find a diabetes support group in your state.
Beyond Type 2
Beyond Type 2 is an online community that is free to join and offers the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and find resources related to type 2 diabetes in both English and Spanish.
Their goal is to radically change what it means to live with type 2 diabetes by providing resources and programs designed to support people living with the condition.
Carenity
Carenity is an organization that connects people living with type 2 diabetes through a free social network.
The platform allows you to add friends and has a newsfeed, discussion forums, and private messaging. It’s also a source of high-quality medical information.
Visit their website to learn more and sign up for the free social network.
Benefits of Joining a Diabetes Support Group
There are many potential benefits of joining a diabetes support group.
They include emotional and mental support, practical tips and advice, accountability and motivation, and improved clinical outcomes.
Emotional and Mental Support
Joining a diabetes support group can provide valuable emotional and mental support.
A study of college students with type 1 diabetes found that students who participated in a student-led diabetes support group reported less social isolation, as well as fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety related to their diabetes.
Another study conducted in people with type 2 diabetes living in Europe found that those who participated in community organizations like support groups had better physical and mental health.
Practical Tips and Advice
Being part of a diabetes support group can help you learn different techniques for managing your diabetes.
While tips from your healthcare team remain a valuable and important source of information, speaking with other people with diabetes can be helpful because they can provide practical tips and advice based on their lived experience.
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Accountability and Motivation
Diabetes is a chronic disease, and it can get tiresome having to manage it every day.
Being part of a diabetes support group can help provide accountability and motivation to make lifestyle changes to manage your diabetes, such as changing your diet or activity or self-monitoring blood glucose levels.
Improved Clinical Outcomes
Research shows that peer support groups can improve certain clinical outcomes, such as hemoglobin A1C (your average blood glucose over a three-month period), blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight. They also help people feel supported.
Other Types of Diabetes Support
If a support group doesn’t appeal to you, there are many other available supports for people living with diabetes.
Therapy
Depression is a common co-occurring condition with diabetes and affects almost 20 percent of all diabetes patients.
Depression combined with diabetes has a wide range of negative outcomes, such as lower quality of life and higher fasting glucose and A1C.
Fortunately, seeing a therapist can help.
Studies show that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can reduce symptoms of depression and fasting glucose while also improving quality of life and anxiety in patients with diabetes.
Diabetes Educator
A certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES) is a healthcare provider with comprehensive knowledge and experience in diabetes prevention, prediabetes, and diabetes management.
They must complete a rigorous process to earn this title including passing an exam demonstrating their specialized knowledge.
A CDCES promotes self-management of diabetes. When you work with one, they’ll provide ongoing support to help you manage your diabetes through any stage of life.
Visit the Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education to locate a CDCES in your area.
Classes
If you want to learn more about diabetes management, diabetes classes are an excellent way to do so.
While support groups may have less structure, diabetes classes often have a specific topic (such as diabetes nutrition) and are taught by an instructor.
To find a diabetes education program near you, visit the ADA website. The diabetes education programs recognized by the ADA can help you learn the skills and confidence to manage your diabetes.
Diabetes Dietitian
Working with a CDCES dietitian is key to an effective diabetes management plan.
Studies show that patients receiving medical nutrition therapy from a registered dietitian had significant improvements in fasting blood glucose, A1C, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, cholesterol, and systolic (the top number) blood pressure.
Tips for Finding the Right Support Group
Once you’ve decided to join a diabetes support group, it’s a matter of finding the best fit for your needs.
Here are some tips for finding the right support group:
- Clarify what you’re looking for in a support group.
- Consider factors such as location, meeting frequency, meeting format (virtual or in-person), and the group's focus (general diabetes discussion, nutrition for diabetes, etc.).
- Talk to your healthcare provider for recommendations.
- Search for relevant groups on social media.
- Explore offerings by professional organizations like the ADA.
- Attend a few different groups to find your best fit.
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Takeaway
Living with diabetes can get lonely, but luckily, many diabetes support groups exist.
Attending a support group for diabetes has many benefits, from emotional and mental support to improved A1C. To find a local support group, visit the ADA website or speak with your healthcare provider.
How a Dietitian Can Help
Nutrition is an important part of diabetes management, and working with a registered dietitian has been shown to improve fasting blood glucose and A1C.
A diabetes dietitian can support you on your diabetes journey so you feel confident with your food choices and blood glucose management.
Find a dietitian who accepts insurance through Nourish.
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Frequently Asked Questions
There are many available support groups for diabetes, including American Diabetes Association support groups, DiabetesSisters, Defeat Diabetes Foundation support groups, Beyond Type 2, and Carenity.
Many supports are available for diabetes, from peer support groups to diabetes education classes. To find a support group or class in your area, visit the American Diabetes Association website.
Support groups have many benefits for people with diabetes. These include providing emotional and mental support, sharing practical tips and advice, enhancing accountability and motivation, and improving clinical outcomes (like A1C).
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