Advice For Those Newly Diagnosed With Diabetes: Those who are newly diagnosed with diabetes often experience a range of emotions in the first few days. There is often fear, doubt, depression, worry, and a lot of uncertainty. Make no mistake about it; a diagnosis of diabetes is a life altering event. Your lifestyle will never be exactly the same and you must be much more conscientious about your health choices than you were in the past. However, all is not lost. While there is currently no cure for diabetes, the disease is treatable. This article presents a few helpful hints to get you through those first few difficult weeks following your diagnosis.
The most important thing to do after you receive your diagnosis is to better educate your self on the disease and its treatments. Pay particular attention to the techniques of glucose monitoring and dietary restrictions. By making sure that you are as knowledgeable as possible about the disease, you will find that much of your uncertainty vanishes. You will know what to expect and know what to do to effectively treat your disease and live an active and fulfilling life.
Seek out guide books that can educate you on dietary options for diabetics. You will find that, while some of your favorites foods are now taboo, that diabetics can still enjoy a rich and varied culinary life. There are many diabetic cookbooks that offer wonderful culinary options for those on a restricted diet.
Another important step that you can take to overcome anxiety during those first anxious weeks is to seek out a support group. A support group can help you learn the best way to cope with the disorder. You will also see that others who have this disease can and are having a great time enjoying all that life has to offer. While most cities will have local diabetes support groups, if you do not have such local resources, or simply do not wish to join one, there are many online communities that are devoted to diabetes issue. You will find many helpful and knowledgeable people in internet support groups that are more than willing to offer advice, inspiration, hope, or simply listen to your worries and fears.
One common reaction that people have when they are first diagnosed with diabetes is that they will think back on how, in times past, they did not take care of their body in the way that they should have. In this case, a diagnosis of diabetes represents not only a challenge, but an opportunity as well. The continuous monitoring of your condition will provide you with the feedback that you need to help you stay focused on living a more healthful lifestyle.
If you have any friends or family members who have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is a great idea to set aside some time to discuss your fears and concerns with them. Having a trusted support system is very important at this time. As time progresses, you will find that you will become more comfortable with your situation and better able to handle the emotions that are part and parcel of diabetes. However, during the early days, you will really value having a trusted voice to guide your thoughts.
Exercise is a necessary therapy for diabetes. Not only does it help control glucose levels, but exercise also releases endorphins (mood controlling chemicals) in the brain that help alleviate stress and depression. Exercising is a great way to control the symptoms of your disease, make your body more physically fit, and also make yourself feel better about your situation and your future.
A diagnosis of diabetes is not something that anyone wishes for. Nevertheless, such a diagnosis is not the end of the world. By keeping yourself informed and active, you can meet the disease head on and enjoy life to the fullest.
