Individuals can find online support groups that offer general discussions about daily life and health habits and specific information on handling the health challenges type 2 diabetes may pose.

Carenity is a website-based social network specifically for those living with chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes. Features of this support group include a free social network that includes friends, a news feed, discussion forums, and private messaging.

In addition, Carenity publishes high quality medical information and relevant news on medical breakthroughs. To help members manage their health, Carenity publishes expert videos and articles, patient testimonials, and interviews with doctors.

DiabetesSisters offers various education and support services to help females living with type 2 diabetes live healthier and fuller lives.

Its focus is fostering a bond between females and providing a space where members feel comfortable sharing information, helpful tips, and stories of hope. DiabetesSisters began its activity in after the founder received a diabetes diagnosis as a teenager in the early s.

She realized how little information or support for females with diabetes existed, and she sought to change that. T2D Healthline is an app-based support group, and it claims to be the number one type 2 diabetes community. It offers round-the-clock advice and support from people who understand the challenges of type 2 diabetes, because they are also living with the condition.

Although U. It is free and easy to use and helps people understand more about diabetes. In-person support groups provide a structured, supportive environment to discuss living with type 2 diabetes.

Meetings that these groups hold may help reduce feelings of isolation by offering friendship and camaraderie. Defeat Diabetes Foundation DDF lists in-person support groups for those living with diabetes by state.

On its website, people can find the location of meetings, age groups that can attend, and contact information. The DDF notes that being a member of a support group is a great way to be proactive about diabetes management.

The foundation provides support, tips, and information, forming an essential tool for managing diabetes. The American Diabetes Association ADA has a Diabetes Self-Management Education Support DMES network that includes support programs located across the United States.

Some are covered by Medicare and health insurance. People interested in these programs can find one near them using the ADA search tool. Firstly, it helps to know what a person with diabetes expects from one of these groups. For instance, if they want to connect with others, it will be important for a group to allow them to socialize.

On the other hand, if they need more structured support to look after their health, a program or group that addresses this directly will be a better choice.

It is a good idea to make a list of the top priorities and consider them while searching. An essential aspect of choosing a support group is whether an online or in-person group and format is a better fit. Both offer their own set of benefits. One of the advantages of a local group is that members may see the same doctors as the person joining.

They will also know more about the resources available in their region. In-person groups can also be better for making friends. Online support groups, however, are more accessible, particularly if someone is not feeling well or cannot get to an in-person meeting.

Also, support can be available at any time. Support groups offer a range of benefits, but for individuals with type 2 diabetes, they are particularly valuable. It can be a difficult condition to understand and manage long-term.

People with type 2 diabetes have to consider taking their medications, modifying their diet, and in some cases, changing their lifestyle. In addition to affecting their physical health, this can also have an impact on their mental health.

The authors of a study found an association between participating in online support groups and better motivation and social support for those with type 2 diabetes.

This may reduce feelings of isolation and boost self-esteem. Moreover, seeing others managing their diabetes and living a full life can be an inspiration to other people with the condition. Support groups provide a wealth of benefits for their members, including peer support, encouragement, and information.

Individuals can access both online and in-person support groups, with each option coming with its own set of benefits. There are also structured programs that teach valuable skills required for managing diabetes, such as blood glucose monitoring and meal planning.

If a person has health insurance, they can ask their health insurance provider whether they are eligible for such programs. Individuals can ask a healthcare professional to recommend a support group. Many communities and healthcare teams provide support groups for people living with type 2 diabetes.

Some people can control type 2 diabetes without medication. Learn what factors help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and when someone may need…. Making a grocery list can help people with diabetes plan and budget, buy nutritious foods, and improve their overall health.

After about six months, patients and families learn more about insulin pumps. We offer classes introducing patients and family to insulin pump therapy, as well as advanced classes covering pattern management.

We recommend all of our patients with diabetes have an established diabetes care plan with their school, whether they are in preschool a few hours a day or starting their first year of college.

Our clinical social work and certified diabetes educator teams are here to assist when creating this diabetes care plan. Your child's endocrinologist and certified diabetes educator will work with you to develop a specific insulin management plan for school. This plan will be updated every summer before your child's next school year.

A Plan , created by the American Diabetes Association, ensures your child is receiving the diabetes care they need and are eligible for if they attend a public school.

We also offer diabetes education for school personnel. Our class, Making the Grade in Diabetes Care, covers a variety of topics, including treatment of diabetes, insulin therapy, nutrition goals and carbohydrate counting, insulin pump therapy, glucose sensors, age-appropriate expectations, healthy coping and Plans.

Diabetes can be tough! Whether you are newly diagnosed or have lived with diabetes for many years, there may be times you or your child may feel sad, mad, frustrated, overwhelmed or confused. Our team is here to help navigate these feelings. There are many ways to get connected with other patients and families in your community who are living with diabetes or endocrine disorders.

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation provides Information on local support groups, community connection events and fundraising opportunities. The American Diabetes Association provides Information on support and educational events, camps as well as ways to volunteer and get involved. Camp Midicha is a diabetes camp located in Fenton, Michigan.

It offers opportunities for diabetic children, ages 5 to 17 years old, to connect with peers in the day camp or overnight camp.

Connected in Motion is a Canadian-based program that provides experiential diabetes education through day or multi-day excursions. The Taking Control of Your Diabetes organization offers information on diabetes management and new technology, Type 1 and Type 2 blogs, and educational and community-connection events.

The Pediatric Endocrine Society provides information on your child's endocrine diagnosis, research studies, training and educational resources. The CARES Foundation leads in the effort to improve the lives of the congenital adrenal hyperplasia community and seeks to advance quality health care through support, advocacy, education and research.

The Accord Alliance promotes comprehensive and integrated approaches to care that enhance the health and wellbeing of people and families affected by differences of sex development.

The Intersex AIS -DSD Support Group is a compassionate community of individuals, families and allies collaborating to promote better lives and informed decision-making through advancement of knowledge so no one will face a diagnosis alone.

We actively participate in studies that may cover a variety of aspects of diabetes, including early detection, medication, and treatment. Examples of studies we have participated with are:. An international network of 18 clinical centers with more than affiliates. The goal of this network is to explore ways to prevent, delay and reverse the progression of Type 1 diabetes.

TrialNet is supported by the National Institutes of Health and other major diabetes organizations.