Diabetes: Newly Diagnosed

Being newly diagnosed with diabetes can be scary. But know that millions of people all around the world live with diabetes and manage it successfully every day. You can too.

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Coping with a new diagnosis

Being diagnosed with diabetes can be scary. But know that millions of people all around the world live with diabetes. They manage it successfully every day. You can too. Diabetes is only one part of you. Don’t let it define you. Rely on the support of your care team to help you take charge of your diabetes.

When you are first diagnosed, you may be told to check your blood sugar. Your doctor may ask you to do this once a day or before and after every meal or activity. This may seem like a huge task. But these days, 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 you can use. There are a lot of choices. You can find what works best for you.

Working with your care team

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

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

  • An endocrinologist. This doctor 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 treatments that might help you.

  • A registered dietitian. They 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. They can help you cope with your feelings and stresses.

  • Other team members. These can include your:

    • Eye doctor.

    • Dentist.

    • Podiatrist (foot doctor).

    • Pharmacist.

    • Occupational therapist.

    • Exercise physiologist.

Learning about treatment options

When you have diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or 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 it 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. Then you can make lifestyle changes as needed.

  • 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. Doctors often start by prescribing medicines such as metformin.

  • Insulin. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin daily. It may also help some people with type 2 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 insulin delivery pens that are easy to use.

  • Emergency glucose products. You should have these with you if you ever have an episode of low blood sugar. These products include glucose tablets or gels. Or you can use other foods or drinks that offer a quick source of sugar. It’s important to keep a source of sugar handy for emergencies.

Talk with your care 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 being active

  • 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