### Tips for LGBTQ+ Individuals Managing Diabetes More than 34 million Americans have diabetes, with the majority being type 2, and another 88 million have prediabetes. However, the risk is not equally distributed. LGBTQ+ individuals face higher risks due to health disparities and minority stress, which can complicate disease management. Here are some tips to help you advocate for your health: 1. **Find Supportive Healthcare Providers**: Look for providers in the Gay & Lesbian Medical Association’s database or the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) directory. You can also ask for referrals from local LGBTQ+ centers or Planned Parenthood. 2. **Understand Your Lab Results**: Diabetes management involves regular bloodwork. Familiarize yourself with how to read lab results using resources from the American Diabetes Association or the UCI Health blog. 3. **Trust Your Instincts**: If you feel uncomfortable with a healthcare provider, you have the right to seek another opinion or leave the visit. You are the best judge of what feels right for you. 4. **Lean on Your Community**: Bring a support person to your appointments if you find it challenging to advocate for yourself. You can also help others by vetting healthcare providers for them. 5. **Provide Feedback**: Constructive feedback can help healthcare providers improve. Share resources like the 2019 American Association of Diabetes Educators tip sheet or the National LGBT Health Education Center’s materials. 6. **Focus on Self-Care**: Prioritize activities that make you feel good, such as exercising, getting enough sleep, attending therapy, and practicing self-love. Wellness and happiness are acts of resistance against societal stigma. By taking these steps, you can better manage your diabetes and advocate for your health despite the challenges posed by minority stress.