What to do when you are first diagnosed with diabetes?

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it can be overwhelming in the beginning. It is best to be reminded that a diagnosis is just the first step towards managing your health for the better. Often times, it can feel confusing and unnerving, but you do not need to fear because you are not alone. Based on a study conducted by experts from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), one in 10 adults has diabetes, and by 2050 this could very well become one in 3. Diabetes develops through a number of factors, and it continues to be uncovered and understood to this day. Advances in medicine have helped patients, caregivers, and medical practitioners manage the disease. To navigate the challenges you have to face, it is important to note key information about diabetes.

Understanding your diagnosis.

After confirming your diagnosis (seeking a second opinion is recommended), learning what you can about the disease will help you take control with confidence and a positive attitude. Diabetes education is valuable in understanding what is happening to your body, what you have to do, the lifestyle changes you need to adjust to, and the treatment you have to receive. Diabetes is a chronic disease when your blood sugar (also called blood glucose) reaches high levels because your pancreas produces insufficient or no insulin at all. Or when the body cannot use the insulin, it produces effectively. Insulin is a hormone that regulates glucose. When glucose builds up in the bloodstream, it can lead to severe damage to the nerves and blood vessels and other systems of the body. Keeping a close watch on your glucose levels is crucial in managing your diabetes.

Monitor your blood sugar.

Your doctor might recommend that you check your glucose levels on a regular basis. A sample of your blood needs to be swabbed on treated paper attached to a gadget that measures glucose levels called glucometer. You will need to prick your finger for a drop of blood. Investing in lancets for this routine is a very smart decision to make this chore more tolerable. Pip Lancets are a safe and painless solution. The comfort and ease of use of these lancets are worth your money because blood sugar testing need not be painful and stressful.

Follow your treatment plan.

You can not treat diabetes on your own. An endocrinologist (diabetes specialist) is the most qualified doctor who can set a treatment plan tailor-made just for you. Medication might be prescribed for you, and you need to follow the treatment goals set for you by your doctor. Diabetes may sometimes lead to kidney disease, amputation of lower limbs, or blindness. Additional screenings to catch early signs of problems may be advised for you also.

Adjust your lifestyle.

Eating healthy and staying active is essential for good health. Eating food with high nutrients and low in fats is the recommended diet for people with diabetes. Exercises approved by your doctor should be regularly practiced to lower the chances of stroke or heart attack.

Connect with a support system.

Reaching out to family and friends for moral support is beneficial to your overall well being. Joining a diabetes support group, whether online or in-person, will allow you to keep up with the latest developments while providing you with more comfort, guidance, and a positive outlook to help you through the challenges of having diabetes and managing it.