A Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis
When Luxmi Popat was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 20 years ago, she thought her life was coming to an end. “I was angry, I was sad, and I was mad,” she recalls. Luxmi realized though that she had to “get a grip,” and adjust to this new chapter in her life.
Learning that you or a parent or relative have type 2 diabetes can be distressing and frightening. But as Luxmi found out, there are strategies, resources, and tools available that will help you manage your type 2 diabetes.
When you first learn that you, or someone you love has diabetes, you may experience any, or even all, of these feelings:
- A sense of loss
- Fear
- Stress
- Anger
- Shock
- Guilt
- Disbelief
These are all normal feelings, and they may come and go over time. Talking to your family, friends, or doctor about your feelings can be helpful. So can joining a diabetes support group to share your feelings and experiences with others who are in a similar situation. Ask your diabetes care team for local support groups, or visit the American Diabetes Association to join the online American Diabetes Association Community.
Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can’t be cured but it can be managed with a diabetes diet, exercise, and when needed, medication. You don’t have to do this alone. A diabetes care team will help you juggle all the pieces. Your care team might include your doctor, nurse, dietitian, pharmacist, diabetes educator, and any of your other health care providers.
For times when you can’t reach a member of your personal care team, GreatCall’s Urgent Care service is available for prescription refills, and 24/7 access to nurses and doctors for such questions as a missed dosage or side effects. With Urgent Care, you can have round-the-clock peace of mind. A bonus is that no insurance is required to use the program.
Managing Type 2 Diabetes
Managing your diabetes means learning to choose what, how much, and when to eat; being physically active; taking any medications your doctor prescribes; checking your blood glucose, if prescribed; keeping your appointments with your diabetes care team; and learning as much as you can about the disease. Your doctor can refer you to a diabetes education program, or you can find one by visiting American Diabetes Association’s “In My Community” page.
For Luxmi Popat, adjusting her diet (more vegetables and fewer carbs), staying active by doing her daily household chores, practicing yoga, joining a gym, and being vigilant about checking her blood glucose numbers have not only helped her keep her diabetes under control, but have given her a sense of control and peace of mind that she is doing all she can to manage the disease. “It hasn’t been as hard as I thought it would be,” she says.
Sources: American Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org; GreatCall, www.greatcall.com
