Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis: What Should I Do Now?

Posted on by Jordan Soblick

Every day in the United States, someone receives a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. The news can land like a ton of bricks, raising a whole host of emotions and worries about what life will be like with a condition that requires careful management, thoughtful planning, and lifestyle changes, likely for the rest of one’s life. The possibility of serious complications only adds to the anxiety and dismay.

But a type 2 diabetes diagnosis is not a death sentence. It’s doesn’t mean your life will be any less full and joyful, and it doesn’t mean that you can’t do, experience, or eat all the things you love. What it does mean is that you need to accept and adapt to your new reality in a way that is both physically and mentally healthy.

If you just were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, here are some tips for dealing with the news and steps you can take to start this new chapter in your life in a positive and productive way.

Educate Yourself

Knowledge is power. The more you learn about how type 2 diabetes works, how it impacts your body, and what you can do to manage the condition, the less scary it will be. After your diagnosis, ask your doctor every question and express every concern you have. This can include basic questions such as:

  • What is type 2 diabetes?
  • Is type 2 diabetes curable or will I have it forever?
  • How will I know if my blood sugar is getting better?
  • Why do I need to come back to the doctor every three months?
  • Can you refer me to see any specialists like an endocrinologist, dietician, a diabetic educator?
  • What adjustments do I need to make to my diet?
  • Are there any immediate complications of diabetes that I should be aware of?
  • What is the best way to monitor my blood sugar levels and how often should I do so?

There are also tons of online resources that can provide you with valuable and useful information and allow you to read about the experiences of others with type 2 diabetes. Knowing that other folks have gone through and felt what you are currently experiencing – and have emerged strong, healthy, and happy – can bring you a sense of comfort and confidence as you move forward.

Don’t Beat Yourself Up

Yes, type 2 diabetes can develop due to lifestyle factors such as obesity, lack of exercise, an unhealthy diet, and other behaviors. But plenty of people who receive a type 2 diabetes diagnosis are otherwise healthy and may not have any of these lifestyle-related risk factors. That is because some people are genetically predisposed to the condition.

Regardless of why you developed type 2 diabetes, beating yourself up about it or blaming yourself won’t do you any good. Dwelling on the past won’t accomplish anything. On the other hand, thinking about what you can do now, rather than what you should have done then, can help you make the changes

Put Your Team Together

Living with type 2 diabetes is not a journey you need to or should take alone. The guidance of professionals and the support of family, friends, and other people with the condition can be invaluable resources. Arrange to see specialists such as endocrinologists and licensed dieticians who can help you develop a comprehensive plan for managing your diabetes. Lean on those close to you, educate them about your condition, and enlist their help as you make lifestyle adjustments and other needed changes.

Understand The Importance of Monitoring and Controlling Glucose and Insulin Levels

These imbalances in blood glucose and insulin levels are why monitoring and maintaining the right levels of both are so critical to living with type 2 diabetes.

Traditional glucose monitoring involved pricking a finger multiple times a day to get and test blood samples, an undoubtedly inconvenient and uncomfortable process. Now, finger-prick glucose monitoring is no longer necessary due to advancements in technology. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is a tested, approved, accurate, and easy-to-use transceiver device that helps those with diabetes monitor keep abreast of their blood sugar levels 24/7 without any need to stop what their doing to take a blood sample.

If you recently received a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, speak with your doctor and contact us today to see if you qualify for CGM and access our guide to continuous glucose monitoring.

CALL US TO QUALIFY NOW

If you are not insured, or have a high deductible health insurance plan, you can still purchase the Freestyle Libre Reader and Sensors at extremely competitive prices. Prices starting as low as $99 per month

1-888-308-0094

*Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol, when symptoms do not match system readings when you suspect readings may be in accurate, or when you experience symptoms that may be due to high or low blood glucose.

Reference 1: Data on file. Abbott Diabetes Care. 2, FreeStyle Libre 14 day User’s Manual

Indications and Important Safety Information

FreeStyle Libre and FreeStyle Libre 14 day Flash Glucose Monitoring systems are continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices indicated for replacing blood glucose testing and detecting trends and tracking patterns aiding in the detection of episodes of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, facilitating both acute and long-term therapy adjustments in persons (age 18 and older) with diabetes. The systems are intended for single patient use and require a prescription.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Remove the sensor before MRI, CT scan, X-ray, or diathermy treatment.

WARNINGS/LIMITATIONS: Do not ignore symptoms that may be due to low or high blood glucose, hypoglycemic unawareness, or dehydration. Check sensor glucose readings with a blood glucose meter when Check Blood Glucose symbol appears, when symptoms do not match system readings, or when readings are suspected to be inaccurate. The system does not have alarms unless the sensor is scanned, and the system contains small parts that may be dangerous if swallowed. The system is not approved for pregnant women, persons on dialysis, or critically-ill population. Sensor placement is not approved for sites other than the back of the arm and standard precautions for transmission of blood borne pathogens should be taken. The built-in blood glucose meter is not for use on dehydrated, hypotensive, in shock, hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state, with or without ketosis, neonates, critically-ill patients, or for diagnosis or screening of diabetes. When using FreeStyle LibreLink app, access to a blood glucose monitoring system is required as the app does not provide one. Review all product information before use or contact Abbott Toll Free (855-632-8658) or visit www.freestylelibre.us for detailed indications for use and safety information.html. . FreeStyle, Libre, and related brand marks are trademarks of Abbott Diabetes Care Inc. in various jurisdictions. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2018 Abbott. ADC-09691 vLO 10/18

*The FreeStyle LibreLink app and the FreeStyle Libre 14 day reader have similar but not identical features. Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol, when symptoms do not match system readings, when you suspect readings may be inaccurate, or when you experience symptoms that may be due to high or low blood glucose.

The FreeStyle Libre 2 app and the FreeStyle Libre 2 reader have similar but not identical features. Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol and when your glucose alarms and readings from the system do not match symptoms or expectations

‡‡‡Based on the sensor being replaced once every 14 days, and scanned at least once every 8 hours.

§§§Glucose readings are not available during 1-hour warm-up, when sensor is too hot or too cold, when you see an error or "LO" or "HI" message, or no current glucose reading