Diabetes
How to cope with a diagnosis of diabetes
Being told that you or a loved one have diabetes can be overwhelming. Many people will experience anger, sadness, and denial when they find out. These are perfectly normal reactions. So what should you do when your physician or primary health care provider tells you that you have diabetes?
Be committed to managing your diabetes
Diabetes will change the way you live, but it is a manageable condition. Proper diet, lifestyle, and medications will help to lower your chances of developing diabetes-related complications. The most important step is to be committed to improving your health and taking control of your diabetes. Manage your diabetes – don’t let it manage you.
Become a diabetes expert
To properly manage your diabetes, the first step you need to do is to learn as much as you can about your condition. Becoming informed about your diabetes will help you make healthier decisions. You are the most important person that will be taking care of your diabetes, so the more you know the better you will do.
Ask for help
Fortunately there are many people that can help you with your diabetes. Your team of primary health care providers, including your family physician, nurses, diabetes educators, dietitians, and pharmacists, are all here to help you take care of your diabetes. They are all dedicated to working with you so you can tackle your diabetes with sufficient knowledge and tools.
Improve your lifestyle
Having a good diet and lifestyle is very important. Some lifestyle tips are:
- proper eating is crucial for people with diabetes – a dietitian can help put together an eating plan that fits with your lifestyle
- aim to exercise every day – this lowers your blood sugar, weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and your risk of diabetes complications
- quit smoking
Make a plan and stick to it
You will work with your diabetes team to create a plan to manage your condition. This plan is a summary of the things you need to do to tackle your diabetes. Here is a checklist that you can use to make your plan with your diabetes team:
- your meal and snack plan – what you should be eating and whena
- your medication – how much and when to take your medication or insulin
- lab testing – what tests you should have
- home blood glucose meters – how often and when you should test at home, as well as how to interpret your numbers
- proper foot care – what you should do for your feet
- how to manage and cope with a chronic illness
Ask Your Pharmacist
Q: Can very bad breath be a sign of diabetes?
A: Because the symptoms of diabetes may be subtle, many people with this condition aren’t aware they have it. Because of high glucose levels, people with diabetes often have problems with their teeth and gums as increased glucose helps bacteria thrive. Oral symptoms related to diabetes include chronic bad breath, gum disease and sore or loose teeth.
Do you have a question? Don’t hesitate to ask your Live Well Pharmacist.
Health Tip
Too much sitting around isn’t good for your health. In fact, people who sit a lot are more prone to health problems like heart disease. This serious condition already affects many people with diabetes. Try breaking up long stretches of sitting with bursts of activity. If you work in an office, take occasional breaks to walk around. If you watch TV at home, move around during commmercials. Being more active in general is a big postive step toward a healthier you.
All material © 1996-2013 MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
