Published: 15 July, 2026 We all know what it feels like to be truly understood. When someone listens, connects and recognises what you’re going through. If you’re living with diabetes or caring for someone who is, that sense of shared experience can make all the difference. When Leigh Sargeant’s son, Brodie, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 15, she searched online for support and found locals in their country town who knew about the disease. “I had to face my fears, like thinking that he’d die young. I learned my neighbour’s dad had diabetes and was 80. A friend’s son also talked with me about what worked for him,” Leigh says. “These chats helped our family adapt to life with diabetes.” Benefits of peer support Diabetes is more than checking blood glucose levels, taking medication or planning meals. It can also bring emotional challenges, uncertainty, and at times, a feeling of isolation. Connecting with others who understand what it’s like can provide valuable support, helping you manage your diabetes and improve your quality of life. While peer support should never replace advice from your diabetes healthcare team, it can complement it. Peer support groups offer: a safe and supportive space to share your experiences, ask questions or share ideas practical tips and encouragement to help you navigate day-to-day challenges with more confidence reassurance and perspective from people who have “been there, done that” and can relate to your journey connections to community resources, helping you discover and make the most of local support services. Peer support takes many forms There are many ways to connect with peer support, from a casual chat with someone who understands to joining a formal group. The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) can help you find support that suits your needs, either online or in person. There’s no one-size-fits-all, so choose an option that works best for you, your lifestyle, and your diabetes goals. Face-to-face peer groups – use the NDSS peer support directory to find peer support groups in your area. Online support – read blogs, listen to podcasts like Life on the Level, or join diabetes forums and social media groups or online peer support groups. Education programs – take part in evidence-based group programs led by diabetes health professionals. Exploring peer support through NDSS programs By registering with the NDSS, you can access a range of free diabetes programs that not only build your knowledge, but also connect you with others who share similar experiences. From short webinars to face-to-face workshops, and comprehensive education programs, these sessions create opportunities to learn alongside peers, share experiences, and feel supported. NDSS programs include: DESMOND (Diabetes Education and Self-Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed) is designed for adults with type 2 diabetes, combining practical education with shared experiences. Beat It is a free, eight-week exercise and lifestyle program where you can build confidence and stay motivated alongside others. Ready, Set Go, Let’s Move is an online, self-paced program that supports people who are new to exercise or want to move more. It includes content that connects you to support groups for motivation and ongoing support. Peer support looks different for everyone Peer support can be incredibly helpful, but it isn’t the same for everyone, and that’s okay. You may prefer reading about others’ experiences in your own time, or having one-on-one conversations with someone you trust, like your health professional. You can also reach out to services like the NDSS Helpline (1800 637 700) or Carers Australia (1800 422 737) whenever you need extra support. Everyone’s diabetes journey is different. But whatever path you choose, you don’t have to navigate it alone, support is there when and how you need it.
