You've just been diagnosed with diabetes. But what does this mean for you? How will it impact your life? Let's take a few minutes to see what to do next.
First, you should know that you can manage diabetes and live a full life. Some types of diabetes can even be reversed. But everyone who has diabetes needs to focus on a healthy lifestyle. So you may need to make some changes.
To teach you all the things you need to know, you'll talk to a diabetes educator. They have special training in diabetes. They teach you about blood glucose (we call it "blood sugar"). You'll learn how to manage glucose levels with diet and exercise. You'll learn about the supplies you need to monitor your blood, and how to keep track of the results.
The educator will also teach you about safety. You'll learn about the dangers of high or low blood glucose. You'll learn to recognize the signs of a diabetic emergency, and what to do about it. And, you'll learn how to watch for problems with your feet, skin and eyes.
There's a lot to learn about diabetes, but we'll make sure you know the things you need to know. And, we'll make sure you know how to get help if you need it. Soon, managing diabetes will become a normal part of your life. For more info, talk to your doctor.