Getting support

Emotional journey

How do I tell others how I feel?

Try to share your feelings with a friend, partner or counsellor. Sometimes simply talking over your worries and fears with someone else can make you feel less alone with your condition.

People respond in different ways to being diagnosed with diabetes – some to the extent that they feel like hiding it from everyone. You may feel embarrassed or uncertain about how they will react but letting people know can mean that you receive more support. Be ready for any initial misconceptions about diabetes and perhaps think through what you’d like to say in advance.

But if you can't shake off your feelings of anxiety you may be suffering from depression. Speak to your doctor or practice nurse.

How do I explain that I have to watch what I eat and drink?

You may not want to tell everyone that you have diabetes and explain your food choices. If you decide not to have dessert, choose salad over a steak, you could simply say that you ‘fancied something fresh’ or you’re ‘too full for dessert’, for example.  If you do choose to say that you have diabetes, be ready for any misunderstandings about food. It may help to prepare some responses in advance.

Relax

Finding ways to relax can make a big difference to how you cope with your condition. Here are some ideas you might want to try:

• Treat your body with respect by making a special effort to eat properly and get enough sleep. Doing some exercise can also make you feel better about yourself and give you a more positive outlook on life. Most importantly, listen to your body. If you feel tired or slightly unwell, don't overdo things.
• Try to cut back on stimulants like alcohol, caffeine and tobacco. These may provide short-term pleasure, but in the longer term they will make you feel even worse.

• Experiment with relaxation techniques – Many people find meditation and visualisation techniques extremely relaxing, and puts them in a positive frame of mind. A practical way to start is to buy a relaxation tape or CD. These are widely available from book or music shops. To a background of relaxing, unobtrusive music, you will be encouraged to slowly relax your body, and then focus on relaxing and positive thoughts.

• Indulge yourself now and then. Go for a massage or a pedicure. Being pampered by someone else can help you relax, release stored up tension and make you feel better about your life.

• Take time out to do things you enjoy, such as listening to music, sitting in the park or going to the cinema.

Practical help

If you’re living with diabetes, you may face a number of physical difficulties as a result of your condition. But there’s lots of practical help available. For example, the NHS and Social Services can provide a number of services to make your life a little easier.

For example, there are many healthcare professionals who look after people with diabetes, including physiotherapists and occupational therapists. They can even visit you at home if you find it difficult to travel to hospital.

Telling your employer

Having diabetes may cause you to have time off work, either because of the condition itself, or for you to attend GP or hospital appointments and to receive treatment. Depending on the severity of your diabetes, treatment may take up a significant amount of time and/or require frequent appointments.

With some jobs it may be possible to work around your appointments. Most companies offer some degree of flexible working, and a convenient working arrangement can usually be reached by discussing your medical needs with your employer.

Arrangements may include:

• Working from home on days you have appointments
• Working longer hours on the days you do not have appointments
• Starting work later and finishing later

Your employer is legally obliged to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate your medical needs.

If you feel that you may have been discriminated against at work because of your diabetes, there are people that can help you. You can find information from your local Citizens Advice office or contact a solicitor.

Support groups and charities

There are a number of UK organisations which provide invaluable help, information and support to people experiencing health problems. They are also a useful source of information for those caring for others with long-term conditions or for friends and relatives.

Diabetes UK

Website: www.diabetes.org.uk

Email: info@diabetes.org.uk

Diabetes UK Careline

Call: 0845 120 2960, Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm.

Diabetes UK’s community forum for people with diabetes: www.diabetesuk.co.uk

Please note, contact details are for information only and are correct at time of going to press. Pfizer is not responsible for the content of external websites.