If you have just been diagnosed with diabetes, it can be a lot to take in. There are a lot of things to consider when living with diabetes, and it is important to take the time to learn about the condition and make decisions that are right for you. This blog post will outline some of the things you should think about when starting your journey with diabetes.
Have You Been Recently Diagnosed with Diabetes?
If you’ve been recently diagnosed with diabetes, you’re probably feeling a lot of emotions. It’s normal to feel scared, confused, and even overwhelmed. The good news is that you are not alone. Millions of people around the world live with diabetes, and there is a lot of support available to help you manage your condition.
Here are some of the things you should think about when you are newly diagnosed with diabetes:
Learning About the Condition
It is important to take the time to learn about diabetes and what it means for your health. This will help you to make informed decisions about your treatment and care. There are a lot of resources available, so don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or search online for information.
Your Treatment Plan
There are a lot of different ways to treat diabetes, and it is important to find the treatment plan that is right for you. Talk to your doctor about the different options and make sure you are comfortable with the plan before starting.
Your Diet
Eating a healthy diet is an important part of managing diabetes. You may need to make some changes to the way you eat, such as cutting down on sugar or carbohydrates. Work with a registered dietitian to create a meal plan that works for you.
Your Medications
If you are prescribed medication for diabetes, it is important to take it as directed. This means taking your medications at the same time each day and not skipping doses.
The American Diabetes Association highlights some important questions you should ask regarding your medications:
If you’re starting new medicines, ask your doctor, pharmacist or diabetes educator the following questions:
- How many pills do I take?
- How often should I take them, and when?
- Should I take my medicine on an empty stomach or with food?
- What if I forget to take my medicine and remember later?
- What side effects could I have?
- What should I do if I have side effects?
- Will my diabetes medicine cause a problem with any of my other medicines?
Your Blood Sugar Levels
It is important to monitor your blood sugar levels and to keep them under control. This may involve checking your blood sugar several times a day and making changes to your diet or medications.
Managing low blood sugar levels and high blood sugar levels
Blood glucose control is important to avoid both high blood sugar and low blood sugar. High blood sugar can lead to complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, and blindness. Low blood sugar can cause seizures and coma.
There are a few things you can do to help manage your blood sugar levels:
- Check your blood sugar regularly
- Carry glucose tablets or gel with you in case of low blood sugar
- Eat regular meals and snacks
- Avoid sugary drinks
- Exercise regularly
Your Risk for Complications
Diabetes can increase your risk for certain complications, such as digestive and kidney diseases. It is important to be aware of your risk factors and to take steps to reduce your risk. This may include quitting smoking, controlling your blood sugar levels, and exercising regularly.
Living with Diabetes
If you’ve just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, know that you have a variety of methods available to assist you manage it. Finding ways to manage your blood sugar levels, your insulin intake, diet and exercise, and working with your diabetes care team, can help you feel healthier and help you stay on top of your condition.
Remember, millions of individuals with type 1 enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Establish a community of support, and do what’s necessary to take care of yourself. With the right tools and information, you can live a full life with type one diabetes.
You’re not alone in this, and there are plenty of resources available to get you started. The key is to take charge of your diabetes, and not let it control you.