A new diagnosis can be overwhelming, but you are not alone. The T2D Healthline community is here to help.
As of 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 10 percent of Americans live with diabetes and nearly a third of all American adults have prediabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1 diabetes and accounts for nearly 90 percent of all diabetes cases worldwide.
Although type 2 diabetes cannot be cured, changes in diet and lifestyle can treat it. However, for many, a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes may be the first time they have faced significant health changes. This prospect can feel daunting.
Although type 2 diabetes is very common, a new diagnosis can make you feel alone.
It can feel isolating, like your friends and family members just don’t understand what you are going through. It is important to remember that you are not alone.
The T2D Healthline community is full of people who really understand what you’re going through because they’ve been there themselves.
Five community members shared their wisdom for people with a new type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
“As we say in the south, ‘It’s not just a chicken wing.’ Before that you can get out. It’s shocking at first. Once you make lifestyle changes and they become routine it becomes second nature.
You can be fine for many years and some people even go into remission. Just think of the millions who don’t know or don’t care. You’re so much ahead of the millions. Now is the time to get into life. ”- Robert Ward
“It can definitely be overwhelming. Just stop and take a deep breath.
That’ll be ok. It will take some work on your part, but nothing that you cannot handle. I would recommend seeing a nutritionist first to figure out what to eat.
In the meantime, work on eating healthy low-carb meals and snacks. Try to exercise and drink plenty of water. There is definitely a lot of information available in the T2D Healthline app and you can ask questions. The people here are always there to help. Take it one day at a time. ”- Brian D.
“When I was first diagnosed, it was overwhelming for me. And with the help of the T2D Healthline group, doctors and my own reading, diabetes is manageable.
For me, an ongoing commitment to healthy eating and exercise also helped. ”- Cal90
“I was overwhelmed at first. I was definitely afraid of the diagnosis (among other things). A nurse suggested that I see a psychiatrist, which I would never have thought of.
You have to try to look for positives. It can be helpful to see all of the T2D Healthline community’s success stories of people who struggled initially and made really incredible strides.
Some calming tricks can help too. Whether it’s some form of meditation, relaxation, or essential oils, they can help you adjust and minimize stress. ”- Chris
“I’ve been here for 3 months and have made a lot of changes to my diet.
Do not worry. After a few weeks of making the change, you will get used to it and not feel like the new diet is such a big change. Adding lots of vegetables can help you stay full.
Get creative with different ways to add them: roasted, steamed, raw, soup, and more! ”- Cherie Jordan
Coming up with a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes may feel difficult, but it is a challenge that you can overcome.
Over time, you will find new routines that will work for you and you will feel more confident about how to manage your health.
Especially at the beginning it may feel like you have a lot to learn and probably have a lot of questions. The T2D Healthline community is at your side every step of the way.
Elinor Hills is an Associate Editor at Healthline. She is passionate about the interface between emotional well-being and physical health, and how people build connections through shared medical experiences. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, photography, drawing, and spending far too much time running.
