HONOLULU (KHON2) — In talking story with Dr. Alan Parson who is an Endocrinologist at John A. Burns School of Medicine at University of Hawaiʻi, he mentioned that creating a community of Type II Diabetics is a good way to ease diagnosis shock, help with maintaining control and elevate participation by creating camaraderie.
“It starts getting a little bit infectious and everyone else starts to kind of learn and say, ‘ok, I shouldn’t be doing this if I’m not doing it. Why are you doing it?’” explained Dr. Parsa “Creating a supportive community for individuals with Type II Diabetes can be a powerful tool in managing the condition and alleviating the emotional impact of diagnosis.”
So, KHON2.com decided to explore ways those diagnosed with diabetes can begin developing a community around them and begin taking control of their lives and diagnoses.
Alleviating Diagnosis Shock
Shared Experiences: Connecting with others who have been through a similar experience can help newly diagnosed individuals feel less isolated and more understood. Hearing how others managed their initial diagnosis can provide comfort and hope.
Support Groups: Regular meetings, whether in-person or online, allow individuals to share their feelings and concerns. Professional facilitators or peer leaders can help guide discussions and provide resources.
Educational Workshops: Hosting sessions on what to expect after diagnosis, how to manage the condition, and the importance of lifestyle changes can equip individuals with the knowledge they need to navigate their new reality.
Maintaining Control
Accountability Partners: Pairing members with accountability partners can encourage adherence to treatment plans and lifestyle changes. Partners can check in on each other regularly, share tips, and motivate one another.
Resource Sharing: A community can provide a platform for members to share useful information, such as healthy recipes, exercise routines, and tips for managing blood sugar levels.
Access to Experts: Bringing in healthcare professionals for Q&A sessions or workshops can help members get accurate information and stay updated on the latest in diabetes care.
Elevating Participation through Camaraderie
Social Events: Organizing social gatherings, such as potlucks, exercise classes, or group outings, can foster a sense of belonging and make managing diabetes a more enjoyable experience.
Group Challenges: Initiating friendly competitions, like step challenges or healthy cooking contests, can motivate members to engage in healthier behaviors.
Online Communities: Creating a social media group or a forum where members can interact, ask questions, and support each other on a daily basis helps maintain a sense of community even when members can’t meet in person.
Benefits of Community Support
Emotional Well-being: Being part of a community reduces feelings of loneliness and anxiety, which are common after a diabetes diagnosis. Emotional support can significantly improve mental health and overall quality of life.
Improved Adherence: The support and encouragement from a community can lead to better adherence to medication, diet, and exercise regimens, resulting in better blood sugar control and fewer complications.
Empowerment: Knowledge is power. A well-informed community empowers its members to take control of their health, ask the right questions, and make informed decisions about their care.
Steps to Build the Community
Identify Leaders: Find enthusiastic individuals who can help organize and lead the community. These can be healthcare professionals, experienced patients, or motivated volunteers.
Utilize Existing Resources: Partner with local healthcare providers, diabetes organizations, and community centers to access resources and reach a broader audience.
Promote Inclusivity: Ensure that the community is welcoming and inclusive of all individuals with type 2 diabetes, regardless of age, background, or severity of the condition.
Gather Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback from members to understand their needs and preferences, and adapt the community activities and resources accordingly.
Leverage Technology: Use digital tools to create online groups, schedule virtual meetings, and disseminate information. This can help reach a wider audience and provide support to those who may not be able to attend in-person events.
By fostering a supportive and proactive community, individuals with type 2 diabetes can better manage their condition, reduce the emotional burden of diagnosis, and lead healthier, more connected lives.
These are the typical symptoms of Type II Diabetes. They are fairly benign on their own; so, it’s important that you take stock with each one to determine your needs.
Urinating often.
Feeling very thirsty.
Feeling very hungry—even though you are eating.
Extreme fatigue.
Blurry vision.
Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal.
Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet.
You can click here for more information from the American Diabetes Association.
Being diagnosed is a very scary experience for anyone to go through. So, find a community of support to help you see that management will give you a much better quality of life.