Getting a diabetes diagnosis can feel overwhelming, especially if you are not sure what comes next. The good news is that diabetes is something you can manage, and learning the basics can help you feel more confident and in control from the start.
What is diabetes, and what does it mean for my body?
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Your body makes glucose and glucose also comes from the food you eat. Blood sugar levels can rise when the body does not make enough insulin or does not use insulin as well as it should. Insulin is a hormone your body makes to help move sugar from your blood into your cells, where it’s used for energy.
While diabetes is a long-term condition, it's also something many people successfully manage with the right support, education and daily habits.
I have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Now what?
If you were recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you are not alone. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, approximately 11 percent of Americans have diabetes and nearly 1 in 4 Americans over age 65 have diabetes.
Many people feel unsure or worried at first, but a diagnosis does not mean you have done something wrong. A first step is talking with your health care provider about your options for learning more. Many providers can refer you to a diabetes self-management education program.
These programs offer guidance on food choices, physical activity, blood sugar monitoring, medications and problem-solving, all in a supportive setting.
Is diabetes something I can manage?
Yes. Diabetes is a condition that many people manage successfully over time.
You do not need to stop eating your favorite foods or make extreme changes all at once. Small, realistic lifestyle changes can go a long way and can help lower the risk of diabetes-related complications.
What puts someone at higher risk for diabetes?
Diabetes can affect people for many reasons. Family history plays a role, and diabetes can run in families. Age is also a risk factor, which is why regular screenings become more important as you get older.
If you have a family history of diabetes, your provider may recommend screening earlier or more often.
Is weight management the same as blood sugar management?
Weight and blood sugar are related, but they are not the same thing. Blood sugar management focuses on how your body processes glucose throughout the day.
Some people see improvements in blood sugar without significant weight changes. Your provider or diabetes educator can help you understand what goals make sense for you.
What is a carbohydrate, and why does it matter?
Carbohydrates are one of the main nutrients found in foods like bread, fruit, milk, rice, pasta and starchy vegetables.
Carbohydrates have the biggest impact on blood sugar because they break down into glucose during digestion. Learning how they affect your body can help you make informed food choices.
What are the different types of diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body does not make insulin.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not use insulin effectively or does not make enough.
Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and usually goes away after delivery, but it can increase future diabetes risk.
How should I monitor my blood sugar?
Blood sugar monitoring looks different for everyone. Some people use fingerstick test strips and a glucometer, while others use a continuous glucose monitor, also called a CGM.
CGMs typically require insulin use for coverage. Not everyone needs frequent testing. What matters most is knowing your A1c and following your provider’s guidance.
Talking with your provider or a diabetes educator can help determine what monitoring approach is right for you.
What is the takeaway when learning about diabetes?
A diabetes diagnosis can feel like a lot to take in, but you do not have to learn everything at once. Education is one of the most powerful tools for managing diabetes.
Working with your provider and taking small steps forward can help you feel more confident throughout your diabetes journey.