Coming soon: a lot more diabetics

If you spend any time tooling around the Internet news sites, you have probably run across the recent news that, by 2050, up to 1 of 3 adults may be diagnosed with diabetes. Of course, this will lead, fairly or unfairly, to further alarms being sounded regarding the problem of obesity. But as someone who is focused on helping patients to cope emotionally with their diagnosis, and get prepared for the road ahead -- treatment decisions, lifestyle changes, changes in relationships and roles -- I am also concerned about how these individuals are going to deal with this, and other diagnoses. Currently, the medical establishment isn't set up to help patients with these issues, and the patients themselves not only are most likely not aware of alternate resources, they aren't even aware of what they need. Who is going to step in and lend a hand?

Connected to the compassion crowd?

When someone first learns that they have been diagnosed with a health condition, it's important to connect with people who can listen without judgment and without thinking they have to do something to 'fix' their newly-diagnosed loved one. What's going on with the people you count on? Are they able to sit with you, to listen and simply to be there? Or are they dealing, or not dealing, with their own reactions and unable to listen to how you are feeling? If your own support network can't be supportive, find a new one. Check out your local mental health resources for counselors or support groups. Check out online support communties like alliancehealth.com. Don't go through this alone!