Finding Diabetes Support Groups In India

Diabetes support groups are community-based or online organisations and platforms where people with diabetes share important information, find solutions to their problems, get emotional support and understand how to deal with the condition better. 

There are many ways through which diabetes support groups can help diabetes patients. Let’s see what are these benefits and how you can find a diabetes support group in India. 

Benefits Of Diabetes Support Groups

There are many benefits of joining a diabetes support group, both for the patient and the caregiver. Some of these benefits include:

• making social connections with people sharing the same experience
• better self-care practices like checking blood glucose levels, taking insulin, exercising, etc. 
• having better glycemic control and improved A1C levels
• getting useful and practical tips for weight loss, exercising, etc. 
• finding a platform to share personal stories and feel acknowledged
• feeling less isolated and more supported
• coping better with mental health problems like diabetes distress, and depression

How To Find A Diabetes Support Group In India?

Diabetes support groups exist both within the communities and on virtual platforms. The virtual diabetes support groups are also called diabetes online communities or DOC. You can easily find yourself one support group by following these steps:

Internet Search

The first step is to search the internet to find support groups. Many diabetes support groups have websites, and you can look at them for more information. 

Social Media

You should also run a social media search on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Search “diabetes” or use “#type2diabetes” and “#type1diabetes” to search for information on diabetes support groups. 

Healthcare Team

You can ask your healthcare teams for recommendations for a diabetes support group. Even if they don’t know any support groups, they can connect you with other people sharing the same experience. 

Self-Made Support Group

In India, there is a lack of diabetes support groups. If you can’t find any group, don’t feel disappointed. Your healthcare team, friends and families can connect you with many people who have diabetes, and you can start your own diabetes support group through an online chat group, a community meet-up or virtual sessions.

The Final Takeaway

Diabetes support groups are highly beneficial for diabetes patients. They help boost motivation and provide emotional support. You can find diabetes support groups both on virtual and community platforms. You can also start your own diabetes support group with other diabetes patients you know. 

References

• https://diabetesresearch.org/parent_news/diabetes-support-group-benefits/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1740599/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6238850/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4586085/
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/type-2-diabetes-support-groups
• https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/online-support-for-type-2-diabetes