Talking to people you care about
Your family and friends are likely to be the people you want to talk to most about your diabetes. You should feel comfortable doing this, as they will want to help you if you need them to. If you have brothers and sisters you’ll probably want to explain to them what is happening to you. Your family will make changes to help you with your diabetes, and the more time that passes the easier things will become.
Telling your Friends
Here are some tips on talking to the people you care about:
Video: Marie with friends
View the videos of Marie, for more information on how she talks about her diabetes.
Video: Marie with friends
View the videos of Marie, for more information on how she talks about her diabetes.
Top Tips
- Real friends will want to understand your diabetes and help you if you need them to
- Diabetes is a part of you and who you are, your friends will understand and accept it as a part of you
- Although telling your friends may feel like a ‘big deal’ to you, it doesn’t change you at all and won’t change how your friends think of you
- You don’t have to tell everybody everything all at once, just talk about it as it crops up or when you feel the time is right
- You don’t have to tell them all at the same time – talk to your friends one at a time if this makes you more comfortable
- You may have to rely on them one day to help you, so it’s a good idea to explain your diabetes to them
- Your friends can help you practice how you’ll tell other people about your diabetes
- Keep the explanation simple and explain why they need to know about your diabetes
- Being honest and straight with people is always best
- Tell your friends that if you start acting differently, get them to remind you to check your blood glucose levels