Hello, my friend, and welcome to The Diabetic Toolbox, where we are on a mission to end type 2 diabetes, one family at a time, through education, support, and empowerment.
If this is our first time meeting, my name is Renee. I am an emotional eating and diabetes lifestyle coach and yoga teacher. Today we are talking about something that has been difficult for me personally: asking for help.
I hate asking for help. I would much rather figure things out myself. Sometimes it is because I am embarrassed that I do not know the answer yet. Sometimes I am afraid someone will think I am incapable. And sometimes, if I am being truthful, I simply like doing things my own way.
But there is a beautiful arc to vulnerability. When we are willing to say, “I don’t know,” “I’m struggling,” or “Can you help me?” we give ourselves access to knowledge, encouragement, accountability, and experience that we may never find on our own.
That matters when you are living with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. You can read the books, save the recipes, watch the videos, download the apps, and make your plans. Some of that independent learning is wonderful. But there may come a point when trying to figure out everything by yourself actually slows you down.
So today, I want to give you three reasons to ask for help and remind you that taking care of your health does not have to be something you do alone.
1. Someone Else May Know What You Don’t Know Yet
One of the biggest disadvantages of always trying to figure things out alone is that we do not know what we do not know. Someone who is further along in their wellness journey may have already worked through the very thing that has you frustrated today. They may have learned how to make walking a regular part of their week, prepare healthier meals without spending Sunday in the kitchen, recover after getting off track, or manage the emotional side of changing long-standing habits.
Their experience does not mean you have to copy everything they did. Your body, circumstances, health needs, and life are your own. But you can listen, learn, ask questions, and decide what is useful for you. Asking for help can shorten the distance between confusion and clarity.
2. Community Can Help You Keep Going
There is a big difference between knowing what to do and continuing to do it. You may know that movement can support your health. You may know that eating more vegetables, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and following the treatment plan you have developed with your healthcare team matter. The difficult part is often doing those things again tomorrow, next week, and next month. That is where community becomes powerful.
Sometimes you need to hear from someone who walked today even though she did not feel like it. Sometimes you need to ask a question without feeling embarrassed. Sometimes you need someone to celebrate the fact that you walked ten minutes when you used to walk none. And sometimes you need someone to notice when you have disappeared and encourage you to come back.
That is one reason the community is part of my 30-Day Walking & Blood Sugar Challenge. The walking plan matters, but so does having a place where you can receive encouragement, ask questions, and connect with other people who are also working on their health.
3. Asking for Help Is a Skill You Can Practice
You do not have to suddenly become comfortable telling everyone everything. Start small. Ask your healthcare provider the question you have been afraid is too basic. Ask a family member to walk with you after dinner. Tell a friend you are working on your health and ask her to check in with you. Join a community where people understand what it is like to change habits while managing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. And when you need professional support, seek it. There is no prize for struggling the longest without assistance.
The goal is not to prove how much you can carry by yourself. The goal is to build a life that supports your health, and sometimes another person’s knowledge, encouragement, or perspective is exactly what helps you take the next step.
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
This idea of community is becoming an even bigger part of what we are building at The Diabetic Toolbox. In September, I will be launching I’ve Been Diagnosed With Prediabetes: Your 30-Day Game Plan, a practical workbook designed to help you move from “What am I supposed to do now?” to having a clear plan for your first 30 days.
And I do not want you to simply buy a workbook, put it on the kitchen counter, and try to figure everything out by yourself. We are building community around these resources because information is only part of the equation. We also need places where we can ask questions, learn from one another, receive encouragement, and keep showing up.
So walk with us. Follow the blog to know when the September workbook launches. Ask your questions. Participate in the conversations.
This is something we can do together. Thank you so much for spending a few minutes with me today. Let us know in the comments: What is one area of your wellness journey where asking for help could make things a little easier?
Ready to Walk With Us?
Where could your blood sugar be in 30 days? Ready to take the next step? Join my 30-Day Walking & Blood Sugar Challenge. Inside, you’ll receive a progressive walking plan, a 14-day Mediterranean-style meal plan, pre- and post-walk stretches, my weight-training guide, private community support, and direct access to me for encouragement along the way. Click this link: https://payhip.com/b/CBTkW
Remember, change happens one habit, one choice, one day at a time.
Until next time, take care of yourself and each other.
With Peace & Love,
Renee
More Resources From The Diabetic Toolbox
The Diabetic Toolbox Podcast
Prefer to listen? Join Renee on The Diabetic Toolbox Podcast for practical, honest conversations about managing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in everyday life. Each episode explores topics such as blood sugar management, emotional eating, movement, healthy habits, weight loss, mobility, and creating a lifestyle that supports your health without resorting to extreme diets or hours in the gym.
Renee & Ruby’s
Renee & Ruby’s was created in honor of my mother, Ruby, whose experience with type 2 diabetes remains an important part of The Diabetic Toolbox’s mission.
Visit the shop to discover apparel, mugs, journals, totes, and other products designed to celebrate strength, encouragement, and the women we love. Your purchases also help support our work serving people and families affected by prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Disclaimer: The Diabetic Toolbox content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, medication, or fitness routine. Participation in any program, including our Yoga Audio Series, is at your own risk. Your health and safety are our top priorities, and we’re honored to walk this journey with you.
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