For many people affected, diabetes is not a purely medical matter, but rather a permanent, everyday situation. In addition to blood sugar levels, technology and doctor's appointments, life with diabetes is particularly influenced by organizational, emotional and social issues. Anyone who is affected or who has a child with diabetes knows the multitude of challenges: school, work, applications, care, insecurities and, last but not least, the mental stress.
The medical system offers important support in therapy and advice. Nevertheless, many questions and problems arise outside of traditional care. It often involves topics for which there is little time in everyday practice: How does school support work? What are the requirements for applications? Who do you turn to when you feel overwhelmed or just want to talk?
This is exactly where independent contact points become relevant. They complement medical care without replacing it. Your focus is on orientation, exchange and personal support in everyday life. They help to classify information, share experiences and find concrete next steps. They do not offer medical diagnosis or therapy, but are intended as additional support.
An example of such a contact point is Dia Engel e.V. The non-profit organization supports people with diabetes and their relatives through personal advice, discussions and support. The offer is aimed at those affected, parents and relatives who have questions or are looking for support in everyday life. Under the motto “The Number for Diabetes Grief”, the main idea is: those affected help those affected.
Exchange at eye level is a central aspect. People who have experience with diabetes themselves have a different understanding of typical everyday situations. They know the uncertainties after a diagnosis, the organizational challenges and the emotional stress that can come with a chronic illness. This experiential knowledge creates trust and makes it easier to access support.
Dia Engel offers support via telephone, chat or via its own app, among other things. The advice is low-threshold and free of charge. The aim is to support people with questions about everyday life with diabetes and to give them guidance.
We support Dia Engel e.V. as a supporting member because we consider such independent offers for the diabetes community to be particularly important. From our point of view, they make a valuable contribution to strengthening those affected and their relatives in everyday life and making self-help accessible.
It is worthwhile for everyone working in the health sector to actively publicize such contact points. They help people with diabetes find easier access to information, exchange and personal support - and don't feel alone with their questions.
