Whether you’ve been worried about a diabetes diagnosis for a long time or you’re caught off guard, finding out that you have this serious condition can leave you feeling shocked and overwhelmed. If you’re the parent of a child diagnosed with diabetes, you may feel sad and worried about what their life will be like.
“You might feel a range of emotions after being diagnosed — fear, worry, anger, overwhelm, anxiety, frustration or a sense of loss,” said Jordan Wagner, a diabetes educator with Banner University Medicine. Feeling this way is normal.
The good news is you can manage diabetes and live a healthy, active life. “The outlook is very positive for those who maintain their diabetes well,” Wagner said.
Understanding diabetes
Diabetes happens when your body doesn’t use insulin properly. Insulin moves glucose (sugar) from your bloodstream into your cells so your cells can use it for energy. When this process doesn’t work properly, your blood sugar levels can get too high.
Over time, high blood sugar levels can cause serious health problems. That’s why it’s so important to manage these levels.
You’ll hear a lot of new terms and concepts as you learn about diabetes. This diabetes glossary defines important terms so you can understand the condition and treatment options better.
There are three main types of diabetes:
- Type 1: Your body doesn't produce insulin, so you need to take insulin every day.
- Type 2: Your body doesn't use insulin well or produce enough insulin.
- Gestational: You develop diabetes during pregnancy. This type usually clears up after childbirth.
After you’re diagnosed with diabetes, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist or diabetes educator. These health care providers can guide you through the steps you should take and help you understand lifestyle changes, medications and blood sugar monitoring.
Managing diabetes
Your provider will help you understand how you can best manage your diabetes. Learning about these key areas can help:
Monitoring your blood sugar
Checking your blood sugar levels shows you whether you’re in your target range. Your provider can explain how to use a glucose meter and when to test your blood. You may need to check your levels before or after meals.
Taking medications and insulin
“Learn about your medications and what is expected and unexpected,” Wagner said. Diabetes treatment can include different medications to help control blood sugar.
You may need two different types of insulin. Basal insulin controls blood sugar between meals and overnight, while bolus insulin manages blood sugar spikes after you eat. Your health care provider will teach you how to use insulin if you need it.
Choosing the right foods
What you eat has a big impact on blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates are one of the most important things to track when you have diabetes.
Carbs raise your blood sugar, so it's important to balance them throughout the day. A registered dietitian can help you put together meal plans that fit your lifestyle and help you meet your goals.
Getting physical activity
Exercise helps keep your blood sugar levels stable and improves your overall health. Walking, swimming or biking can be great options. Talk to your health care team about how to manage your blood sugar before and after you exercise.
Managing stress
Look for ways to lower daily stress levels, such as physical activity, yoga, meditation or deep breathing. “Stress makes a big impact on high blood sugar levels,” Wagner said.
Sleeping well
Make sure you’re getting enough restorative sleep. “Sleep deprivation makes people less sensitive to insulin, which can mean higher blood sugars,” Wagner said.
Limit screen time, which can make it harder for you to sleep. “Consider using blue blocking glasses after sunset to help your brain prepare for sleep,” he said.
Connecting with others
Navigating your diagnosis is easier with support. Lean on family and friends for encouragement and help with daily tasks. You may also want to join a diabetes support group or connect with online communities that can offer advice and a sense of togetherness.
Coping with emotions
Being diagnosed with diabetes can have a big emotional impact. You may feel frustrated, sad or anxious. “It’s normal to have strong feelings, and it is okay to feel this way for a period, but it is not healthy to let these emotions take over long term,” Wagner said. You can take steps to care for your mental health.
As someone living with type 1 diabetes himself, Wagner said he has found it helpful to:
- Spend time with family learning about diabetes together.
- Be outside in nature. “Solitude in nature can help you lower stress levels and think through tough situations surrounding your diagnosis. You may want to take a walk in your neighborhood or sit by the edge of a lake,” he said.
- Get together with close friends to talk about your diagnosis.
- Connect with your community. “Coming together with like-minded people who you may see often at church, events or get-togethers can positively impact you after a new diabetes diagnosis,” Wagner said.
- Try coping strategies like mindfulness or deep breathing.
- Speak with a counselor or therapist trained in the emotional challenges diabetes or chronic illnesses can bring.
It’s important to be aware that people with diabetes have higher-than-average rates of depression. “Your health is the foundation of living a good life, so if you are struggling emotionally with diabetes management, do not wait to get help. Reach out to your doctor or trusted health care provider today. There is no shame in getting help,” Wagner said.
Monitoring and follow-up care
You’ll need to have regular checkups with your health care provider to see how well your diabetes is being controlled and to make adjustments to your treatment plan. Diabetes can also affect your eyes, kidneys and feet, so you may need to see specialists in these areas to watch for complications.
The long-term outlook for people with diabetes
Except for gestational diabetes, diabetes is a lifelong condition. If you don’t take it seriously, you can face complications years later. “It is often challenging for people to make changes because there often aren’t immediate consequences. You could be living and feeling well with high blood sugars for years, but it could be causing major problems inside your body,” Wagner said.
But when you set realistic health goals and follow your treatment plan, you can manage diabetes and live well with a low risk of complications.
How can you find out more about diabetes?
Banner Health offers a lot of information and resources for people with diabetes. You can also learn more through:
- The American Diabetes Association
- Breakthrough T1D
- The Juicebox podcast teaches people how to manage insulin-dependent diabetes. “This is one of the greatest resources available to learn about in-depth diabetes management,” Wagner said.
The bottom line
A diabetes diagnosis may feel overwhelming, and you may find yourself facing strong emotions when you find out you have this condition. But with knowledge, care and support, you can manage diabetes and live a full life.
To find out more about living with diabetes, reach out to your health care provider or an expert at Banner Health.
