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For many years, the buddy system has been looked upon for success in reaching goals-- whether the goal was weight loss or passing an exam. In essence-- two minds are better than one...and two spirits are better than one!! In fact, research is currently going on at UNC Chapel Hill to prove the merits of a buddy system for those living with diabetes. Would you like to be connected with a "Diabetes Buddy?” In the Diabetes Buddy program you will be connected with one of your peers who has diabetes, is of similar age, has the same type of diabetes,and is in search of someone with whom they can share the diabetes journey. The purpose is to motivate and encourage each other to live happy, healthy lives with diabetes to reach your full potential. This includes sharing successes, failures, questions, concerns, advice, information, hopes and dreams, etc. Over the course of six weeks each person commits to communicating (via email, phone, or in person) with her Buddy at least once per week to discuss the following questions: Week 1: What attracted you to the DiabetesSisters Diabetes Buddy Program? What would you like to happen over the course of the next 6 weeks as a result of participation in this program? How vulnerable are you willing to be with your Buddy? What would help you do that?
Week 2: What were your initial thoughts/perceptions/fears about diabetes when diagnosed? How have those thoughts/perceptions/fears changed? What messages have you received from others (your family, your friends, media, religion, etc.) about diabetes? How did those messages make you feel?
Week 3: Describe a time when you felt especially unmotivated about the care of your diabetes. What helped you overcome your lack of motivation? Describe a time when you felt very proud of your accomplishments as a woman with diabetes. How did you reward yourself for accomplishment?
Week 4: What question(s) have you always wanted to ask another woman with diabetes?
Week 5: What do you want others to understand about you as a woman with diabetes? What do you want others to understand about all women with diabetes?
Week 6: Where do you think the world will be in 10 years from now in the areas of a) research on gender-specific issues in diabetes b) the world's view of people with diabetes c) positive role models for women with diabetes in the media, sports arenas, and politics? What changes would you like to see in the world that would dramatically change the lives of women (and/or people) with diabetes? What are you willing to commit to as individuals or partners to help create that future?
You will be provided with your buddy's first name and email address. This service is open to all women with diabetes (Pre-diabetes,Type 1, Type 2, Type 1 1/2, Gestational, Pregnant Type 1 or Type 2) around the world regardless of race, ethnic background, or sexual orientation. DiabetesSisters is not responsible for any interactions that occur between you and your Buddy match. NOTE: Please be aware that you may or may not be matched with someone who lives in your local vicinity. The DiabetesSisters' Diabetes Buddy Program is an international program. If matched with someone in a different location, you will have the opportunity to meet your "Diabetes Buddy" in person at the Annual DiabetesSisters Weekend Retreat. If you are specifically interested in meeting women with diabetes in your local area, please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for assistance starting a DiabetesSisters Action Group in your area. HOW MUCH MORE FUN IS LIFE WHEN…
Ask Yourself-- DID I REACH MY FULL POTENTIAL TODAY? If not, would having a 'Diabetes Buddy’ help you? Please complete the form below to be connected with your Diabetes Buddy. We make every effort to complete "Buddy" matches within 2 Weeks. If you do not receive a confirmation email from DiabetesSisters within 24 hours of submitting your Request, please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to ensure your Request was received. |
Research has shown that an adequate support system is vital for a favorable outcome with a chronic illness. While it is extremely important to have support from friends and family in your daily pursuits with diabetes, it is even more important to have an ongoing relationship with someone who understands the unique differences diabetes brings to your life.
