Right now, diabetes is forever. There is no cure for diabetes. That is why diabetes support groups are a valuable resource. Whether you have had diabetes for many years or were diagnosed yesterday, a support group can help you.
Support groups unite people who live with diabetes and their family members in a sense of community providing them with up-to-date diabetes information, educational resources and support.
Attending meetings is a way to compliment what you learn from your health care team and motivate you towards better daily diabetes management. Each meeting usually features a talk by an expert in the field of diabetes followed by questions and general discussion.
ADULT GROUPS Central Suffolk Hospital Dialysis Unit of Riverhead
This is a 12 station acute and chronic hemodialysis unit. We also offer Peritoneal dialysis services. Pre End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) education is available as well as diabetes support and ESRD support groups.
The diabetes support group meets the third Tuesday of each month from 1:00 to 2:30 PM.
Pre ESRD Education available by appointment only.
The ESRD support group meets quarterly and to please call 631-548-6332 for time and dates.
Diabetes Club at Brookhaven Memorial Hospital
Open to the community
Held third Tuesday of each month (except July, August and December) at theHome Care Building, 103 West Main Street, Patchogue, NY from 7:30 to 9:00 PM. No cost.
Call for more information: 654-7778
Diabetes Support Group
An educational adult support group at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County.
Meets are held the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Education Center at 423 Griffing Avenue in Riverhead, NY.
For program information and to be put on the mailing list contact Susan Wilk at (631) 727-7850.
The Diabetes Under Control Club (DUCC)
An educational adult support group at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center.
Meetings are held the third Thursday of the month from March to June and September to December in the Hospital’s Guild Conference Center, at 7:30 PM. Each month, guest speakers provide information to members helping them to better manage their diabetes.
Contact: Susan Propper - MS, RD, CDE at (631) 376-4049.
G.L.A.D. - The Good Life and Diabetes Support Group
All persons with diabetes and their family members are welcome to attend
St. Catherine of Sienna Medical Center - American Diabetes Association Sponsored
Route 25A, Smithtown, New YorkMeet on the third Saturday of each month (except for the months of January, February, July and August) in the lower level of the professional building from 9:30 to 11:30 AM.
Contact: Sally Economo (631) 724-7022
Huntington Hospital Diabetes Education Series
Huntington Hospital - Dolan Family Health Center
284 Pulaski Road, Greenlawn, NYMeets 3rd Thursday of each month
- A diabetes educator will be available to answer questions 6:30 - 7:15.
- Speakers presentations begin at 7:15 pm.
Program Coordinator - Virginia Smith, RN, NP, CDE - 631-547-7179 or vsmith@hunthosp.org
The series Medical Advisors are Dr. Michael Balkin and Dr. Gary Trager, Endocrinologists, Huntington Hospital.Long Island Pump Club - MiniMed - Guest speakers and various topics related to pump therapy
For those who are considering pump therapy, this is an excellent opportunity to ask questions and learn the benefits firsthand. Family, friends and anyone interested may attend.
Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library located at 999 Old Country Road, Plainview, NY. Meetings will be held the following Thursdays; March 7, April 25, June 6 and start at 7:30 pm sharp.
North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System
18 million Americans have diabetes but you can still feel alone. Come to our support/education group. Join us to learn more about diabetes management strategies or share your experience with others.
Hosted by:
North Shore University Hospital
Long Island Jewish Medical CenterGroup Facilitators:
Doreen Small, RN, MA, CDE -- LIHMC -Clinical Nurser Specialist Diabetes
Terry Tan, MBA -- NSLIJ Program Coordinator, Raggio Nephrology InstituteSupported by: American Diabetes Association
Where: 100 Community Drive, 2nd Floor, Great Neck, NY (Across from the Waldbaum Dialysis Center)
Contact: 718-470-7907 for more information.
Southside Hospital - Group discussions, guest speakers, role-playing, question & answer
All family members are welcome to attend.
Diabetes support group meets every second Wednesday of the month in the Southside Hospital Board Room #1, unless otherwise specified. Meeting time is 7:00 to 9:00 PM.
Telephone: (631) 968-3136 • Fax: (631) 968-3529
CHILDREN'S GROUPS
Robert K. Sweeney Summer Fun Days Diabetes Camp
The Robert K. Sweeney Summer Fun Days Diabetes Camp was founded in 1997 by Familes with Diabetes in collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County. This is a two-week day camp located at the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center in Yaphank, NY. It is open to youngsters five to ten years of age from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM each day. We stress safety, education and fun. The children get an opportunity to meet and become friends with others living with diabetes. The camp is staffed entirely by volunteers and the cost is minimal.
For more information call (631) 852-4959.
The Good Samaritan Hospital Children’s Diabetes Support Group
Children between the ages of 5-12 attend along with their families to discuss ways to lead healthy lives with diabetes.
The group meets monthly on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Home Care America in West Islip. This informative program, offered monthly, will cover all aspects of diabetes self-management. Instruction is provided by registered nurses and registered dieticians who are certified in diabetes education. Individual counseling is offered for gestational diabetes and juvenile diabetes (for children with their parents). Most insurances accepted. Ask you physician for a referral to the Diabetes Care Center.
Contact: Susan Propper, MS, RD, CDE at (631) 376-4049.
Winthrop-University Hospital - Two Groups
Toddler and Preschool Support (TAPS): This support group for families of toddlers and preschoolers with diabetes meets monthly during the academic year on Saturday mornings. The parents meet for information and support while the children and siblings play with adult supervision.
Kindred Spirits: This information and support group for parents and children with diabetes (all ages) meets monthly during the academic year on Thursday evenings.
Mineola - Nassau County.
Contact: Virginia Dittko, RN - Director, Diabetes Education Center at (516) 663-2350 or www.winthrop.org
