Home page About UPDI page About PRIDE page Find a partners page Classes and Events page Pride Newsletter downloads Discover Diabetes page
pride Web site navigation image map.
Are you at Risk for diabetes information track Are you newly diagnosed with diabetes information track Are you living with diabetes information track Does a loved one have diabetes information track Are you newly diagnosed with diabetes?
Are You Newly Diagnosed with Diabetes?

If you have recently been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, you are probably feeling scared and overwhelmed. You may be asking yourself, "Now what?" Most people experience a range of emotions. Fear, anger, uncertainty are all common and normal. It may help to know that you are not alone.

Having diabetes does not mean that you cannot lead a normal life. For most individuals with diabetes, their quality of life depends on how much they know about diabetes and how well they use this knowledge to manage their diabetes.

Before you go any further, read through these 10 steps that you should do - right now - to start managing your diabetes.

  1. Do not ignore or delay treatment. By taking an active role in managing your disease, you can help to prevent complications caused by diabetes.
  2. Prioritize. Ask your health care provider what the most important things are to take care of your diabetes in the days and weeks following your diagnosis.
  3. Ask for a referral to see a diabetes educator and a dietitian. These specialists will help you to understand diabetes better and learn how to fit diabetes management into your lifestyle.
  4. Plan ahead. Find out when you should see your provider again to discuss your progress, treatments and lab tests.
  5. Try to relax. It takes time to learn about diabetes and how it affects your body. Stress can cause your blood glucose level to increase. If you have fears about diabetes, try to put them aside. Diabetes is a chronic but manageable disease.
  6. Eat healthy foods and do not skip meals. Ask your dietitian to help you develop a meal plan that is right for you.
  7. If you receive a new prescription drug for diabetes, be sure to ask questions at the doctor's office or the pharmacy. Taking your prescription at the right time in the right way every day can make a big difference in effectively managing your diabetes.
  8. Don't believe everything that you hear. Not everyone who wants to share information about diabetes has the best and most up-to-date information. Always consult your health care professional before changing your behavior.
  9. Get a blood glucose monitor to help you track your blood glucose levels. Using a blood glucose monitor regularly will help you to better understand how different lifestyle events and foods affect your blood glucose.
  10. Consult with your health care professional to develop a proper nutrition and physical activity plan. If you are overweight, physical activity and weight loss can make a big difference.