Recently, I have felt like I needed more diabetes support. I like to read blog and occasionally comment, but reading something online and talking to someone face-to-face are completely different in my opinion. I went to a diabetes support group when I was younger and first diagnosed. I remember sitting at the table at the hospital with other kids. Our parents would talk to each other. I think the meeting was more support for the parents with diabetic children rather than the children.
Then, I got older and busier. I started to play sports year-round, then I moved north for college. After that I landed in Ohio, where I went to a few diabetes support group meetings and thought they were beneficial. Since moving to Illinois, i have not found a group close to where I live for adults with type 1 diabetes. There is a young adult group in Chicago that meets one time a month, which seems really neat, but it is too far for me to go to those meet-ups, especially on a weekday when i have to get up early the next day.
I can't find anything online; however, I know that that does not mean something exists. I miss talking with other people that have had diabetes for a long time. I like to learn new things and hear other perspectives. It helps me grow in my own knowledge of it and how I can become better at taking care of myself. I also miss the camaraderie.
Are there any diabetes support groups for adults near where you live? Do you go to diabetes support groups?
***Thanks for the feedback on the insulin post. I appreciate it!***
My life as a runner, perfectionist, athlete, 20-something, and type 1 diabetic.
JDRF has a new project called Type 1 Talk that you might be interested in - go over to my blog to read about it today. :) I'm right there with you - having a network is so important to my diabetes care.
ReplyDeleteWhen I lived in the Bay Area, I went to a pump-users support group once a month. It was great, mostly thanks to one person organizing it and keeping it going.
ReplyDeleteAfter I moved I never started going to any of the groups in the Phoenix area.
My local ADA office has a list of local support groups I've seen. Being here almost a decade, I've been to two groups. There were less than five people at each of those meetings, and I guess, since I didn't go back, I didn't get much from either of them.
The JDRF is trying to get the Adult Type 1 Network off the ground. They may have something going on in your area.
Try your local ADA and JDRF folks.
Funny you should bring it up. I just posted a blog today about support that I've been working on this week.
ReplyDeleteIf you join (free) porteacher.net you can join their diabetes group. It's not a lot of support but it is helpful to ask questions & to get them answered. It's also all teachers so they know the stresses of a teacher's life.
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