You’re built for social connection — your body craves it just like it needs food and water. Regularly spending time with others, having supportive relationships, and knowing people care about you meet a deep need. Social connection can also boost quality of life, help prevent depression, and may even lower your blood sugar.

However, having a chronic condition like type 2 diabetes can make it hard to stay socially connected. Diabetes management can be mentally draining and isolating, especially if it seems no one understands what you’re going through or you just don’t have the energy to be around others.

Recognizing that diabetes can affect your social life is the first step toward being more intentional about building a supportive community. Here are some ways type 2 diabetes can affect your social well-being — and what you can do about it.

Why Diabetes Can Affect Your Social Life

Type 2 diabetes — a form of diabetes mellitus — is a long-term condition that can affect every aspect of your life, including your mood and social interactions. Regularly monitoring blood sugar, paying attention to your diet, and adjusting diabetes medications can take time and energy, draining you both physically and mentally.

When you’re tired or your blood sugar is off, you may feel stressed, irritable, or low on energy. These mood fluctuations can make it harder to go out, spend time with others, or enjoy events.

How Diabetes May Change Your Social Interactions

Frustration, disappointment, or anxiety can affect your interactions with others, your relationships, and your social life. Many social events revolve around food, and it can be challenging to explain your dietary needs or feel pressured to eat or drink something that doesn’t support your health. You might worry about being judged, excluded, labeled, or misunderstood.

These are common feelings and concerns, but they don’t have to take over your life. Focusing on diabetes self-care and management may feel limiting, but it doesn’t have to keep you from spending time with others. The key is acknowledging how you feel and then taking action.

Tips for Staying Connected With Others

The first step is to recognize your emotions and identify what gets in the way of connecting with others. Type 2 diabetes can sometimes lower confidence or self-esteem, leading to withdrawal and even social isolation. The following strategies may help improve your social life and ease the stress of managing diabetes when you’re with others.

Surround Yourself With Supportive People

Researchers have found that warm and accepting relationships can have a positive impact on diabetes management. Try to spend time with people who lift you up and avoid those who bring you down. Criticism and conflict may also have a negative impact on your blood sugar levels.

Be Open About Your Needs

Telling others what does and doesn’t help with diabetes management can make social interactions more meaningful. Sharing this information may also minimize hurtful comments and make interactions more comfortable.

Plan Ahead for Social Events

Whether you’ll be dining out, going to a party, or attending a large social event, having a plan for what you’ll eat and drink can ease stress. Check menus online, eat a little something before heading out, and bring a healthy snack with you so you always have a good option. At a restaurant, you can ask for small changes to food or drinks — or even call ahead to ease your mind.

Set Healthy Boundaries

If someone pressures you to eat or act in a way that makes you uncomfortable, it’s OK to set boundaries and protect your well-being. You have every right to avoid people or situations that don’t support your health.

Reach Out if You’re Feeling Low

Working with a mental health professional or healthcare provider can be helpful if you’re feeling sad, lonely, or overwhelmed. They can check for signs of diabetes distress — the emotional weight of managing the condition — and help you rebuild confidence.

How To Find Community and Support

Balancing type 2 diabetes with an active social life can be challenging, but you can still have a full and rewarding social calendar. The key is to find a supportive group of people who not only understand you and your condition but also help you feel encouraged and empowered.

Join the Conversation

On DiabetesTeam, people share their experiences with type 2 diabetes, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

What’s the biggest social hurdle you’ve encountered while managing diabetes? Let others know in the comments below.