Diabetes: Newly Diagnosed

Coping with a new diagnosis

Being newly diagnosed with diabetes can be overwhelming and scary. But know that millions of people all around the world live with diabetes and manage it successfully every day. You can too. Diabetes is only one part of you. But, don’t let it define you. Take some time to absorb the diagnosis and put it in perspective. Rely on the support of your healthcare team to help you take charge of your diabetes.

When you are first diagnosed with diabetes, you may be told to check your blood sugar. Your healthcare provider may ask you to do this once a day or before and after every meal or activity. This may seem like a monumental task. But with today’s advances in diabetes technology, checking your blood sugar is easier than ever. Blood glucose meters and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), insulin pumps and insulin pens are just some of the devices available today. There are a lot of choices so that you can find what works best for you.

Working with your healthcare team

Your team will work with you to create a treatment plan. The goal is to keep your blood sugar controlled. This may delay or prevent other health problems from developing. Your healthcare team is likely to include:

• A primary care provider. This might be your regular healthcare provider. This may have been the first person to tell you about diabetes.

• An endocrinologist. This provider has special training to treat people with diabetes. They can confirm which type of diabetes you have. They can also let you know if there are new findings in diabetes care that might help you.

• A registered dietitian. This provider can teach you how healthy eating can help you control blood sugar.

• A diabetes educator. This might be a nurse, dietitian, or pharmacist. They'll teach you about managing diabetes.

• A psychologist or social worker. This person can help you cope with your feelings and stresses.

• Other team members. These can include:

  • Eye care provider

  • Dentist

  • Podiatrist (foot doctor)

  • Pharmacist

  • Occupational therapist

  • Exercise physiologist

Learning about treatment options

In diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or it can’t use it properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. Without enough insulin, blood glucose stays in your blood where is can cause serious problems for your body. So, most treatments for diabetes aim to keep blood sugar at safe levels in the blood. You have plenty of options.

• Blood glucose control. Monitoring and controlling your blood sugar level is a key part of managing diabetes. With time and blood sugar checks, you can learn what makes your blood sugar go up or down and make lifestyle changes accordingly.

• Lifestyle changes. You may be able to control your blood sugar with meal planning, weight loss, and exercise.

• Oral medicine. These help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar. Pills are taken daily. Healthcare providers often start with medicines such as metformin for newly diagnosed people.

• Insulin. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin daily. It may also help some people with type2 diabetes. Insulin is often given with an injection you give yourself. Or, you may be able to use an automatic delivery device. These are worn on your body all the time. There are also easy-to-use insulin delivery pens.

• Emergency glucose products. You should have these available and in-reach if you ever have an episode of low blood sugar. These products include glucose tablets or gels, or you can use other food or drink that offer a quick source of sugar. It’s important to keep a source of sugar readily available for emergencies.

Talk with your healthcare providers to find the best treatment or combination of treatments for you.

Learning more about your blood sugar

Knowing what affects your blood sugar can help you better manage it.

What raises my blood sugar (hyperglycemia)?

• Eating too much and not exercising

• Not staying hydrated

• Illness, stress, or other conditions

• Side effects from certain medicines

• Skipping diabetes medicines

What makes my blood sugar fall (hypoglycemia)

• Skipping meals or snacks

• Getting more exercise than usual

• Drinking alcohol

• Taking too much diabetes medicine

• Side effects from other medicines

Getting support

• Support. Ask family and friends to support your efforts to take care of yourself. Or look for a diabetes support group in your community or on the internet. Check the Community Overview link at diabetes.org/get-involved/community

• Counseling. Talk with a social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist, or other counselor.

• Information. Contact the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org or 800-342-2383.