diabetes diagnosis

Blog, Newly Diagnosed

5 Proven Ways to Stay Positive Once Diagnosed With Diabetes

It’s not unusual to feel overwhelmed after being diagnosed with diabetes, but there are proven ways to help you stay positive through it all.

Remember that you’re not alone

There are more than 380 million people around the world who have been diagnosed with diabetes – just knowing you’re not alone can help you stay positive.

Just small changes can bring big rewards

Small changes are the ones that often stick, and losing even just a few pounds while incorporating good habits like regular exercise can make a big difference in your blood sugar levels as well as improve cholesterol and lower blood pressure.

Get support

With millions of people across the globe dealing with diabetes, there has been an explosion of online communities focused on dealing with the disease. You’ll find a wealth of forums and support groups designed for people just like you.

Connect with someone who has successfully managed diabetes

Try and find someone who has already been successful at managing their own diabetes you can meet up with for tips and other information on dealing with situations you might struggle with.

Track your progress

It takes time to chart what you eat, your physical activity, medications, and glucose, but it’s a great way to track your progress, keeping you more positive and motivated.

Most of all, keep an optimistic attitude, squash negative thinking  and be proactive. Everything will be ok!

-Be Well

 

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 Blog, Newly Diagnosed

How to Help a Loved one Diagnosed With Diabetes

If one of your loved ones is diagnosed with diabetes, you’re probably wondering what you can do to help. It’s not easy for anyone to deal with the fact that they’ve got a serious medical condition.

Ask if they’d like you to help with reminders

Your first instinct may be to become the “diabetes police,” reminding your loved one when it’s time to check blood glucose, exercise and to put down unhealthy foods. But it’s better to ask if your help is truly needed to avoid rifts in the relationship. If they say no and you think they still need it, consider attending a doctor’s appointment with them, and find out from the healthcare professional whether or not they’re on target.

Ask what you can do

If you aren’t sure what you can do to help, ask. There may be something that hasn’t even occurred to you, and perhaps they’re afraid to ask. Assisting with little things like recording symptoms may actually be a big help.

If you do most of the cooking, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with how to make delicious, yet healthy meals that will help your loved one stay on track.

Get support for yourself

If you’re in a caregiving position, it’s more important than ever to get support for yourself. You can join a support group, or simply talk with someone you trust like a close friend.

-Be Well,

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 Blog, Newly Diagnosed

I Am a Diabetic: What Does This Mean?

Just about everyone has at least heard of the word diabetes, but many don’t understand exactly what being diabetic means – and, if you were diagnosed, that’s probably one of the first things you wondered.

  • You’re considered a diabetic when your blood sugar is too high (typically if blood glucose is higher than 130 mg/dl before a meal, or above 180 mg/dl two hours after the first bite of a meal).
  • Diabetes is a serious condition that won’t go away or get better on its own.  It’s essential to play an active role in controlling it, as well as to have regular ongoing medical care.
  • The goal of treatment is to keep blood sugar levels in the “safe range,” which reduces the risk of developing serious complications like blindness, amputation, heart disease, stroke and problems with the kidneys or nervous system.
  • Managing and even reversing diabetes is possible for those who follow a healthy diet, get regular exercise including both cardio and resistance, address necessary lifestyle adjustments recommended by healthcare providers, lean on the support of family and friends, and take medications and/or insulin as prescribed.
  • Diabetics who are able to keep their blood sugar levels in a healthy range can still live a full, rich life while lessening the risk of developing potentially serious complications.

-Be Well

 

 

 

 

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