Support
To truly master diabetes and navigate the multitude of things that can affect your blood sugars, you’ll need a range of tools and techniques to ensure Diabetes never wins. This includes knowing when to call in the experts and reach out for help and support.
You are not expected to do this on your own.
Ma tini ma mano ka rapa te whai
Many hands make light work. Unity is strength.
Hurihia to aroaro ki te ra tukuna to atarangi kia taka ki muri i a koe
Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.
Practical help available in New Zealand
Carer Support: Carer Support provides reimbursement of some of the costs of using a support person to care and support someone with a health condition, disability or injury. This means the full-time carer can take some time out for themselves.
NOTE: Not all areas in New Zealand are eligible for Carer Support for young people with Diabetes. Check with your medical team as to whether it applies to your area and how many days your young person is entitled to.
Refer to the Diabetes NZ website for more information about how to apply for Carer Support.
Counselling (possibly)
Speaking to someone about what’s going on at home and the effects mimicking a pancreas are having on you can help you feel better equipped to navigate whatever type 1 diabetes throws at you. Speak to your diabetes team about what support is available within your DHB. Unfortunately at this stage it sounds as though the services offered are different around the country.
Join the Type 1 diabetes online community
Reach out and connect with people that get it! You are not alone in this journey.
Connect with your local diabetes support group
There are a number of diabetes youth support groups around the country offering education sessions, camps, coffee catch ups and events for children with Type 1 and their parents.
The Diabetes NZ website can be a good place to start. Alternatively your diabetes team will be able to let you know what’s available in your neighbourhood.