Source:Lifestyle in Healthcare Coalition | With contributions from Jeroen Lammers (cardiologist, member Advisory Board Je Leefstijl Als Medicijn) and Lizette Tabak (experience expert)
Peer support is support from people who have similar health goals and experiences. Participants share experiences, inspire each other and provide four forms of support:
Type of support
Description
Emotional support
Understanding, recognition and a listening ear from someone who understands
Informational support
Tips, advice and practical information from personal experience
Practical support
Concrete help with daily challenges
Appreciative support
Affirmation, encouragement and celebrating successes
Peer support can be informal — through neighbors, friends or partners — or organized within programs. It can take place online or in-person, individually or in groups, adapted to participants’ needs.
Lizette Tabak (63) is a medical pedicurist and foot reflex therapist in Someren, Netherlands. Four years ago, she received the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes during a routine check. She was constantly tired, had brain fog, and her blood glucose and blood pressure were dangerously elevated.
Instead of starting medication immediately, she negotiated with her practice nurse to first try lifestyle adjustments herself. The turning point came when she discovered the online support group “Diabetes 2 Doorbreken” (Breaking Through Diabetes 2) from Je Leefstijl Als Medicijn Foundation.
“Starting from severe inactivity in 2019, I gradually built up to running an hour daily. Recently I completed a 10-kilometer run. My cholesterol and blood pressure have stabilized and my blood glucose remains stable — thanks to peer support.”
— Lizette Tabak
Motivated by her own transformation, Lizette now organizes:
Walking groups in her village through the Bas van de Goor Foundation
Affordable cooking courses for healthy eating at the community center
Jeroen Lammers is a cardiologist and lifestyle physician at Elkerliek Hospital and a member of the Advisory Board of Je Leefstijl Als Medicijn Foundation. He advocates for healthcare providers to actively refer patients to peer support.
“In the hospital, we deliver reactive care, but ultimately the patient holds the key themselves. We underutilize peer support due to unfamiliarity, while missing significant opportunities.”
— dr. Jeroen Lammers, cardiologist
John van Loenhout started “Ontmoeten & Wandelen” (Meet & Walk) for the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Prostate cancer patients walk together and share experiences in an informal setting. The program has since expanded to multiple locations beyond Nijmegen.
Nelleke Cools, director of Hoofdpijnnet (Headache Network), presented the “Schrijfcafe” (Writing Cafe) — a creative format where migraine patients support each other through writing exercises and shared stories.
The online community of Je Leefstijl Als Medicijn Foundation where thousands of people support each other in reversing type 2 diabetes through lifestyle change.
Diabetes 2 Doorbreken
Online community of Je Leefstijl Als Medicijn with ZWEM accountability and active group facilitation.
Peer support is not a luxury but an essential part of effective lifestyle care. The combination of recognition, equality and continuous support makes the difference between temporary attempts and sustainable behavior change.
“Group support helps maintain motivation during difficult periods; setbacks become recovery moments.”
— Lizette Tabak
Healthcare providers who actively refer patients to peer support initiatives invest not only in better health outcomes but also in a more sustainable healthcare system.
Je Leefstijl Als Medicijn offers one of the most active peer support communities in the Netherlands for people who want to reverse type 2 diabetes. With the online group “Diabetes 2 Doorbreken” and the weekly ZWEM program, you experience the power of peer support.
Both Lizette Tabak (experience expert) and Jeroen Lammers (cardiologist, Advisory Board member) are affiliated with the foundation.
Peer support is support from peers who have similar health goals and experiences. People share experiences, inspire each other and provide emotional, informational, practical and appreciative support. This can be informal (through neighbors or partners) or organized within programs - online or in-person, individually or in groups.
What are the benefits of peer support?
Peer support strengthens patients' self-management, leads to better health outcomes, improves conversations with healthcare providers and reduces pressure on healthcare by handling low-complexity care questions. Additionally, 75% of participants maintain behavior changes longer than without group support.
How do I recognize a good peer support group?
Look for: safety, openness and respect for autonomy; trained group facilitators; organizational continuity; scientific foundation; and availability of a medical advisor. A good group offers an accessible, equal environment where participants can share their experiences.
Does peer support replace professional care?
No, peer support is complementary to professional care. It supplements what healthcare providers cannot offer due to time constraints: emotional support at vulnerable moments when relapse risk is highest. Peer support is not a side issue but essential for effective care and a powerful prevention tool.
What is ZWEM at Je Leefstijl Als Medicijn?
ZWEM stands for 'Zaterdag Wegen en Meten' (Saturday Weighing and Measuring). Every week, members report their HbA1c values, weight and waist circumference on a digital platform. This collective accountability strengthens commitment to nutrition, exercise, stress management and other health pillars.
How can healthcare providers refer patients to peer support?
Healthcare providers can actively refer patients to local or online peer support groups. Lifestyle clinics play a key role by matching patients with suitable initiatives in the community. Groups are often accessible, free and low-threshold.
Medische Disclaimer: De informatie van Stichting Je Leefstijl Als Medicijn over leefstijl, ziektes en stoornissen mag niet worden opgevat als medisch advies. In geen geval adviseren wij mensen om hun bestaande behandeling te veranderen. We raden mensen met chronische aandoeningen aan om zich over hun behandeling goed door bevoegde medische professionals te laten adviseren.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided by Stichting Je Leefstijl Als Medicijn regarding lifestyle, diseases, and disorders should not be construed as medical advice. Under no circumstances do we advise people to alter their existing treatment. We recommend that people with chronic conditions seek advice regarding their treatment from qualified medical professionals.