Resources for People with Diabetes

Having diabetes means many life changes. These changes may seem overwhelming. That's a normal feeling. When you feel down, reach out to your family and friends. Your health care team is also there when you have questions or need advice.

These tips can help you care for yourself:

• Do things that you like. See a favorite movie. Read a good book. Or listen to music.
• Call a friend to chat.
• Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.
• Take a walk or garden. Physical activity can ease stress and lift your mood.
• Break your goals into small, manageable steps.
• Stick to your treatment program. Keeping your blood sugar in your target range will help you feel better. Ask your health care team about the best ways of keeping track of your blood sugar and other areas of diabetes management.
• If you feel your plan isn't working, is too hard to do, or is too costly, talk with your health care providers.

These tips can help you get help:

• Talk to your friends and family about how you feel. Give them information to help them learn more about diabetes.
• Bring someone with you to your next appointment. This will help them learn how to support you. Write down questions before so all your concerns are addressed.
• Join a diabetes support group. Here you can talk to others with diabetes and share concerns, experiences, and tips for solving problems. Your health care team, library, community center, church group, senior center, or hospital may know about support groups near you.
• Try an online support group. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) offers one. It can also help you find local ADA chapters.
• If you are struggling to eat properly due to a limited budget, there are resources that can help. Your local food bank or food pantry may be able to help. Or you may qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) . This is a USDA program that provides food aid to those in need.

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

Talk with your doctor if you feel helpless or hopeless, aren't interested in your usual activities, or have trouble sleeping or eating. These may be symptoms of depression. This serious condition can be treated.