Emotional Support
Being diagnosed with T1D at any age can be difficult. Feeling a spectrum of emotions after diagnosis such as stress, sadness, and anger are normal. Fortunately, there are many resources available for help.
Do you ever feel down in the dumps with diabetes? Do you need a shoulder to lean on? Read our tips for finding support.
Feeling burnt-out about your T1D? Check out these tips for overcoming T1D stress with a positive mindset.
T1D Support Networks
There are multiple support groups for people (including children, teens and young adults) living with diabetes, whether you are newly diagnosed or seasoned but facing new challenges with diabetes.
Breakthrough T1D Local Support Groups: Join others living with a connection to type 1 diabetes in a casual, relaxed setting to chat, share, and learn about living successfully with this disease. Check out this list of groups, locations, and meeting times.
Breakthrough T1D Peer-to-Peer Mentor Support Group Program: If you would prefer to meet with someone one on one, the Breakthrough T1D Peer-to-Peer Mentor Support Group Program consists of a group of trained volunteers who offer guidance and support to families living with diabetes, by sharing their own personal experience living with diabetes. The mentors are a resource for all people with T1D, whether newly diagnosed or struggling with new issues at different ages and stages. Contact the Michigan and Northern Ohio Breakthrough T1D Chapter here.
ADA Family Link of Southeast Michigan: ADA Family Link is a community based network of parent volunteers with children and teenagers with diabetes, who provide education, advocacy, and support through social events to families living with diabetes. Family Link is dedicated to strengthening relationships between children with diabetes, their families, their diabetes care team and their school, as well as improving diabetes education and awareness. Contact Krista Lang at klang@diabetes.org to learn more. If you are interested in participating in any Family Link events or are looking for more information, check out their website.
Living with diabetes can be tough, but support from family, friends, and other loved ones has been proven to help. Support comes in many ways. It might be a parent helping with an infusion site change or a friend listening to worries or concerns. However, it's important to remember that each person has different needs and preferences about how they want to be supported along their diabetes journey.
According to Caitlin Kelly, PhD at the T1D Exchange, it's important to remember that all people are individuals who want to feel valued, competent, and able to make their own choices. There's no 'one-size-fits-all' approach to support, but Dr. Kelly provides some suggestions here.
Beyond connecting with your child’s pediatric endocrinologist, there are several ways to seek support and assistance with your T1D needs. We are here for your child's well-being, including their mental health relating to diabetes management. We can offer the following services and support for your child:
1. You can receive a referral from either your primary care physician or pediatric endocrinologist for a trained psychologist/therapist that specializes in T1D care or you can ask to speak with our team social worker or psychologist.
2. Visit the University of Michigan Community Mental Health Provider Database to see resources in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti by clicking here.
3. Seek out the Diabetes Online Community, a large community of patients online sharing valuable information about living with diabetes. Some useful sites include:
We also recommend that you find a local support group (see question above about support groups).
Our Patient/Family Advisor has assembled this list of helpful books for new onset and experienced patients looking for help. If you have a suggestion for this list, feel free to inform a member of our staff during your next visit.
Diabetes Management
"Think Like a Pancreas: A Practical Guide to Managing Diabetes with Insulin" by Gary Scheiner
Psychosocial
"Type 1 Diabetes Guide to the Universe" by Joe Solowiejczyk, RN, MSW, CDE
"The Ten Keys to Helping Your Child Grow Up with Diabetes" by Tim Wysocki, PhD
"Balancing Diabetes: Conversations About Finding Happiness and Living Well" by Kerri Sparling
Nutrition
"Everyone Likes to Eat: How Children Can Eat Most of the Foods They Enjoy and Still Take Care of Their Diabetes" by Hugo J. Holleroth, EdD, and Debra Kaplan, RD, MS, with Anna Maria Bertorelli, MBA, RD, CDE
"Exercise and Diabetes: The Diabetic Athlete" by Sheri Colberg, PhD
Young Children
"Diabetes Care for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers" by Jean Betschart, CRNP, CDE
Teens
"Raising Teens with Diabetes: A Survival Guide for Parents" by Moira McCarthy
"In Control: A Guide for Teens with Diabetes" by Jean Betschart, MSN, RN, CDE, and Susan Thom, RD, LD, CDE
"Type 1 Teens: A Guide to Managing Your Diabetes" by Korey K. Hood, PhD
"Diabetes at 14: Choosing Tighter Control for an Active Life" by Bill Melluish
Storybooks for Younger Children
"Sugar Was My Best Food: Diabetes and Me" by Carol Antoinette Peacock, Adair Gregory, and Kyle Carney Gregory
"Even Little Kids Get Diabetes" by Connie White Pirner
"My Sister Rose Has Diabetes" by Monica Driscoll Beatty
"Taking Diabetes to School" by Kim Gosselin
"It’s Time to Learn about Diabetes" by Jean Betschart, MSN, RN, CDE
"Rufus Comes Home - Rufus, The Bear with Diabetes" by Kim Gosselin
"Sarah and Puffle: A Story for Children About Diabetes" by Linnea Mulder
"The Best Year of My Life Book 1: Getting Diabetes" by Jed Block
"Matthew Takes His Shot" by Owen Coleman
Books for All Ages
"Cheating Destiny: Living with Diabetes" by James S. Hirsch
"The Book of Better: Life with Diabetes Can't Be Perfect. Make It Better" by Chuck Eichten
Besides joining a coffee group or other support group for T1D, it's easy to become a part of this large and inclusive community. Check out our Events page for upcoming community events and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for updates. You may also want to check the Breakthrough T1D website or The Diabetes Link (formerly the College Diabetes Network) for tips on familiarizing yourself with the T1D community.
In addition, members of the University of Michigan Students for Diabetes Awareness (SDA) group on campus have established a "pen pal" program for children with T1D and their siblings. Many of the students in SDA live with T1D or have family members who do, and they would love to connect with and support our patients and families. If you are interested, email sda-eboard@umich.edu and provide the following information: child's name, age, date of diagnosis (if applicable), interests & activities, and any specific challenges or issues of particular concern.