When diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, how do you start making changes?
“You have type 2 diabetes.” That’s a tricky diagnosis. What should you do once you are told this?
First, take a deep breath. People may be surprised or even shocked, especially if their body feels the same as it did before. Some people may also feel scared, sad, or overwhelmed.
“When I was diagnosed with diabetes, it hit me like a punch to the stomach. I couldn’t believe it,” said Luxmi Popat, 65, of Orlando, Fla.
But after having time to think about it, remember this: It is possible to live a long, healthy life with diabetes. It may require a change in daily habits, but that doesn’t necessarily stop doing the things you want and need to do.
“Diabetes is manageable,” said Gregory Dodell from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Health System in New York, “and there are ways to help avoid complications beyond finding a healthier lifestyle. ”
Get in a good frame of mind first by following these steps.
Accepting the challenge
A shift in thinking can help to feel better and move forward.
“Think of managing your diabetes and improving your overall health as a big challenge that can be very beneficial,” Gregory said. Maybe it’s been eating poorly or not getting enough exercise, or maybe it’s a work-life balance that’s needed. A diagnosis would be a wake-up call, and that’s a good way to go.
“We often take our health for granted,” Gregory said, “but in the long run, it’s hard to do everything you do every day if you’re not healthy. “
Quinn Nystrom, a diabetes advocate in Baxter, Minnesota, has managed to change his mindset, having had diabetes for 18 years.
“When I knew I was the only one who could determine my quality of life, it changed the way I saw the world,” Quinn said , “Diabetes didn’t have to define me, and I could use it to perfect myself.”
Know the facts
When starting diabetes treatment, you may hear a lot of lesser-known topics and terms, such as glucose levels, insulin, glucometers, or hypoglycemia. But there are many ways to understand the condition and how to learn to manage it.
Several national organizations will provide reliable information and resources on their websites. You can join online communities or individual support groups. Also, ask your doctor for more information.
“Once you understand what’s going on, you learn how to better help yourself.” Lummi said.
Reliance on the medical team
No need to go through this alone. “The doctors will be there for you,” Gregory said. They’ll have methods and relevant educational guidance to help manage diabetes.
Consult a diabetes educator who will give support and help stay on track. Diabetes educators can help in the following areas.
- Help develop a healthy lifestyle plan.
- Show how to test and track blood sugar.
- Teach how to administer medications.
- Teach how to buy everyday items and use them safely.
- Focus on foot, skin and eye problems.
Seek advice from your doctor if you are looking for a diabetes educator.
Consider bringing a family member or friend along for support.
Make some small changes
It can be overwhelming or frustrating to try to make radical lifestyle changes.
Instead, take small steps. Go for a daily walk after dinner. Replace unhealthy foods or beverages with better choices. Over time, small changes will always produce results.
Make changes that you can sustain over time. Find healthy foods that taste good and are easy to prepare, and physical activity choices that you enjoy. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to quit permanently. When lifestyle changes are more acceptable, they are more likely to stick.
Seek support
Family and friends can be a big help when facing a diagnosis and starting to make changes.
Talk to them about how they are feeling. Let them start adjusting to the new habits together.
You can plan healthy family dinners and stock the pantry with healthy foods. Also, try to exercise together. Take evening walks together, join a fitness class or swim together. When making plans with others, it’s less likely that you’ll be able to avoid the habits you’ve made together.
“I love being involved in my local YMCA and doing water aerobics with friends,” says Lummi, “They are the best support I have, especially on days when I don’t want to go.
The most important thing is to give yourself time to adjust. It’s normal to be shocked by your diagnosis, but over time, get used to the new routine. People may even be surprised at how much better and healthier they feel.”