Finding the Support You Need When You Have PrediabetesBeing diagnosed with prediabetes can be surprising and emotional.“They did some blood-testing and the doctor told me that my levels were very high, and that Iwas prediabetic. Which was a shock, because we really don’t have any diabetes in our family,and I always thought it was a hereditary type of thing.”You probably didn’t think anything was wrong and may be embarrassed to admit you need to makechanges. But you are not alone. Many people have Prediabetes. Look at your diagnosis as a chanceto make key lifestyle changes now, before you develop Type 2 Diabetes. And to do that, take a lookat your current eating and exercise habits and set healthy goals to help you make slow, gradualchanges.Changing the way you live can be difficult. You can’t do it alone. It is important to find support to setyour goals and stay motivated to reach them. Luckily, you can find support in many places. Start withyour family. Years of unhealthy eating and exercise habits may have led to your prediabetes. And thebest place to begin to change those habits is at home. But you can’t do it without the support of thosearound you.“My husband is also prediabetic, so that makes it easier for me, so I don’t have to plan andcook different kinds of meals. We can eat the same thing.”Together with your family make changes to the way you eat and the amount you exercise. If theyknow and support the changes you are trying to make it can be easier on you.Watching and supporting you while you make changes, may just motivate the rest of your family tomake some changes as well. Not only will you benefit with better glucose control, your entire familywill enjoy positive results as well. When you get frustrated or need encouragement, your family canhelp you through the challenges. Lean on them. You may be surprised at how willing they are to helpyou and you may feel closer as a result.“It’s absolutely nice to have somebody to go through this process with you, so I don’t have tosit there and watch him eat a bowl of ice cream, and me say, “Oh, I can’t have that,” youknow?”Friends can also support you. We all need an extra push every now and then and your friends canprovide that. Maybe one of your friends has a fun, active hobby that you would like to try. Don’t beafraid to tag along and try something new.Your friends can also help you stick to your goals but only if they know about the changes you aretrying to make. Make sure you tell them what you are trying to do, and instead of grabbing ice creamafter work, suggest a walk around the park instead. Some people find attending a support group is also helpful. Contact your local hospital, healthcareprovider, or visit www.diabetes.org/in-my-community/ to find a support group in your area. And don’tforget about your healthcare provider. She is also there to help. If you are having trouble reachingyour goals ask her to help you figure out why. Discuss the challenges you face and get feedback onyour progress. You may be doing better than you think.When you begin to make healthy lifestyle changes to reduce insulin resistance and prevent or delayType 2 diabetes, reach out and get the support you need to be successful. You can’t do this alone.Talk to your family, friends and healthcare provider to make changes and stay motivated.
Keeping Motivated and Rewarding Your Diabetes Self-Care Progress
Find out how getting feedback on your progress and treating yourself to occasional rewards can motivate you to continue working toward your healthy lifestyle goals.
Finding Support to Help You Reach Your Diabetes Self-Care Goals
Changing your lifestyle habits can often seem overwhelming. Learn how your family members, friends, support groups and your diabetes care team can help.
