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.