Living with diabetes can be difficult, especially if you feel like you’re alone and have no one to relate to. It’s important for people to be able to relate to others and connect around shared traits, like hobbies, interests, and even medical diagnoses, and diabetes is no exception.
If you have diabetes and feel like you have no one to talk to about your life, finding a diabetes support group can provide the connection you need. Here is what you should know about diabetes support groups, where to find them, and more.
Key Takeaways
- Support groups can help you connect with people who share your experiences.
- Groups can meet both in person and online.
- You can locate support groups through hospitals, community centers, social media, and diabetes organizations.
- Working with a diabetes dietitian can help improve your health outcomes.
What is a Diabetes Support Group?
A diabetes support group is a group of people who all have diabetes who come together, either in person or via the internet, to discuss experiences, challenges, and successes. These groups give you a safe space to talk openly about life with diabetes, ask questions, share advice, and feel understood by other people who are wearing the same shoes.
Support groups can be open to anyone with diabetes or specific to a certain type (type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes), or even be for people supporting people with diabetes, such as parents of children with diabetes. Groups can even potentially cater to people who are newly diagnosed in order to teach them management and coping skills.
What Can a Diabetes Support Group Do For You?
Diabetes support groups are great because they don’t do just one thing. Support groups are varied and can help with numerous different aspects of having diabetes. Here are some examples of what you may be able to expect from a support group:
- Sharing tips and tricks for managing diabetes.
- Sharing and discovering new recipes that help with regulating blood sugar and are also proven to be good by real people who have tested them.
- Helping one another stay motivated to hit any health goals you may have.
- Being able to vent about aspects of diabetes to people who understand the struggles and can relate.
- Finding new friendships that go beyond just having diabetes.
Where to Find Diabetes Support Groups
If you’re interested in finding and joining a diabetes support group, there are several options for you, whether you prefer meeting in person or having the flexibility of online discussion.
Community Centers
Local community centers, like those owned by your city or private ones like YMCAs, often have support groups for all sorts of things, including diabetes. Try looking at club bulletin boards in your community centers or asking staff members if they know of any diabetes support groups meeting at the community center.
Hospitals and Clinics
Some healthcare systems offer support groups for a variety of different diseases for people to come together and find community. Check your hospital or clinic’s website to see if they have any groups, or ask a receptionist if there are any support groups through the facility.
Online Support Groups
If you live in a rural area or don’t have access to transportation, it can be difficult to go out to a physical meeting. But fortunately, if you have an internet connection, the support group can come to you. The internet is full of groups on websites like Facebook, Reddit, or specialized online health forums. Options like these can be a great way to talk to real people about problems, get advice, and get connected to a community.
National Diabetes Organizations
Organizations such as the American Diabetes Association can help you find local support groups and activities, such as diabetes camps for kids, awareness events, and more. Other places to look include the Defeat Diabetes Foundation, the College Diabetes Network (CDN), and JDRF.
Beyond Support: Why Community Changes More Than Your Mood
There’s a reason support groups work—and it goes deeper than just having people to talk to.
When you’re surrounded by others who believe change is possible, that belief becomes contagious. Research in neuroplasticity shows that our brains rewire based on repeated thoughts and the environments we immerse ourselves in. Being around people who are successfully managing their diabetes—or even reversing it—can shift your own sense of what’s achievable.
At Dietitian Live, we’ve built this principle into our approach. Our registered dietitians don’t just hand you a meal plan; they help you examine and shift the beliefs that may be holding you back. Through our Quantum Mind Architecture™ program, clients have achieved remarkable results—including 81% of those with prediabetes reversing their A1C to normal levels.
A support group gives you community. A dietitian gives you personalized guidance. Together, they create a foundation for lasting change.
Looking for one-on-one support alongside your community connections? Book your first session at no cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetes Support Groups
Are Support Groups Only For Newly Diagnosed Diabetics?
No! Support groups are for everyone, and veteran diabetics are especially encouraged to join, as their experience is extremely helpful for newcomers or people who may not know all the ins and outs of living with diabetes.
Do I Need a Referral to Join?
In most cases, no. Diabetes support groups are generally open to anyone who has diabetes. Some groups may be private and require knowing someone inside, but this is fairly uncommon.
Are In-Person Groups Better Than Online Groups?
Not necessarily. Some people may enjoy the routine of going out and meeting a local diabetes support group, but that doesn’t make it the best way to get support. Many people live in rural areas where there aren’t any nearby groups, lack reliable transportation, or have a chronic illness that makes it hard to go out, making online support groups the ideal option for reaching out to a diabetic community.
The only right answer is the one that works for you. If you prefer going to your local YMCA chapter to talk weekly or lurking on r/type2diabetes, all that matters is you’re happy and getting the help you need.
Get the Support You Deserve
Don’t feel like you need to navigate diabetes alone! Finding a support group can make a huge difference in how you manage your health and how you feel every day. If you’re ready to connect with others, build community, and get practical diabetes support, consider joining a group that fits your needs.
If you want personalized nutrition guidance for diabetes outside a support group, sign up to talk to a registered dietitian at no cost to you! A dietitian can help build confidence in managing your diabetes and find resources that support your long-term health goals.
