“You Have Diabetes.” These three words will change your life.
Perhaps you have diabetes in your family, perhaps you suspected it. Perhaps this diagnosis took you by surprise. In any case, hearing these words from your doctor can be overwhelming and intimidating, to say the least. And, like many others, after giving you the diagnoses and a few quick instructions, your doctor probably walked out and left you in shock. So, now what?
Well, you found us. That’s a great first start. That means you are being proactive. That’s the most important part of managing diabetes. You will have to be your own best advocate. You will have to work diligently to collect as much information, tools, and tips as possible. You will need to wake up every day determined that diabetes will not beat you.
That leads to the second most important part of diabetes management. You have to stay positive. Diabetes is manageable. Type 2 diabetes is very manageable. Lifestyle change, diet, exercise will make a huge difference. Some Type 2s will require medication or insulin. Most will need to check blood sugar regularly. But, if you can take diabetes head on, with a positive attitude, you will succeed. That’s not to say you wont have bad days. We all have hard days. Please keep in mind that it could be much worse. And at the end of the day, the diabetic lifestyle is a healthy lifestyle, and it will help you be a happier and healthier person overall.
Last, build your support team and your health care team immediately. Please share you diagnosis with friends and family. Ask for their encouragement and support. Ask your spouse, a good friend, or adult child to sign up for our emails, so you both are receiving our weekly positive encouragement, tips and recipes. Make sure you surround yourself with people who will support (not sabotage) a healthy diet and exercise plan. And, make sure you have a doctor who is knowledgeable about diabetes, its treatments, its care, and is willing to take the time to make sure you understand how to best manage the disease.