What to Do When You Are Diagnosed With Diabetes

I have what?

You have just found out that you have diabetes. Most likely the news is shocking, even though you have heard it suggested in passing by your health care team while they were trying to uncover what has been making you feel so unwell. But it was never a real concern in your mind; after all, it is the type of thing that happens to other people.

Now that you have a confirmed diagnosis, however, it is time to take stock of what this means for you in both the short and long term. Read on for five important tips to help you through the initial reactions.

1. Don't panic. Take a deep breath and just let the idea marinate. If possible, arrange for a follow up meeting with your doctor within a few days, to give you the time to just take in the information and do a little research on your own. It is difficult to take in any information when you are in a state of shock and trying to accurately recall a long and detailed discussion right now will only contribute to your anxiety. Bring along a spouse, partner, friend or trusted caregiver to take notes and help you ask the questions that are most important to you.

2. Resolve your immediate concerns. Your doctor will most likely have you begin a regimen of controlled diet and medication to bring your blood glucose levels to a safe range. Once you have balanced your system and have begun to adapt to a healthier lifestyle of prescribed exercise and monitoring your blood levels, you will be allowed more freedom in your food and activity choices. The initial learning curve will feel very steep, but don't let that scare you, learning anything new can take a little while.

3. What type? There are two main types of diabetes;Type 1 Diabetes (previously called Juvenile Diabetes) and Type 2 Diabetes (sometimes called noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus 'NIDDM' or adult onset diabetes)

Type 1- Develops when your body cannot make insulin. Generally occurs before the age of 30 but can occur later. People with type 1 are dependent upon insulin injections to survive.

Type 2- Develops when the body does not make enough or cannot properly use the insulin it is able to produce. Although children can develop Type 2, it usually develops after age 30. This form of Diabetes is far more common and can usually be controlled without insulin injections.

4. Research and education. Now that you have a little perspective, you can ask your doctor for some referrals to diabetes support groups. Visit several and find one that best suits your needs. Being able to discuss the little challenges and victories with people who have been there already will go a long way to keeping you healthy and you may just learn a neat trick or two. The more you can learn about diabetes, the more you will feel in control of your own life.

5. Responsibility. Now that you understand what is happening and how it affects your life, it is time to take full responsibility for yourself. When you are able to make decisions concerning your diet and diabetes medications you will find that your life is just as free and interesting as pre-diagnosis and that you are a stronger and more capable person because of it.

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