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Diabetes Management
For the Newly Diagnosed; Photo of doctor talking with patient

Resources for People with DiabetesImage of diabetes support group

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.

  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

    www.americanheart.org

  • American Dietetic Association

    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.

Online Source: American Heart Association http://www.americanheart.org
Online Source: American Diabetes Association http://www.diabetes.org
Online Source: American Dietetic Association http://www.eatright.org
Online Source: National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/diabetes/ndic.htm
Date Last Reviewed: 7/12/2007
Date Last Modified: 7/12/2007