Recently Diagnosed - Type 2

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If you or someone you care for has recently been diagnosed with diabetes, you are no doubt experiencing a range of emotions. Fear, anger, denial, frustration, depression and uncertainty are just a few of them, and are very common. You are not alone. This area of our Web site can help ease your fears and teach you more about living with diabetes, caring for someone with diabetes, and connect you with others affected by diabetes who will listen and share their own experiences.

Finding out you or someone you love has diabetes is scary. But don't panic. Diabetes is serious, but people with diabetes can live long, healthy, happy lives. The links below will direct you to basic information, expert advice and peer support.

Straight Answers About Type 2 Diabetes

Find answers to common basic concerns associated with being recently diagnosed, and learn about diabetes conditions, treatments and complications.

Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin.

Further Reading . . . Diabetes can happen to anyone - even you. If diabetes has left you feeling confused or angry, then it's time to get help and guidance. Straightforward, easy to read, and filled with humor, Your First Year with Diabetes will help you manage and deal with your diabetes - day to day, week, to week, and month to month. For more books on healthy living, click here.

Pre-diabetes
Before people develop type 2 diabetes, they almost always have "pre-diabetes" -- blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.

Diabetes Myths
Find the truth about some of the most common myths about diabetes.

Common Concerns
This section addresses various areas to help you live with type 2 diabetes. What do you do when you're sick? What do you do when you travel? Can you get a flu shot with diabetes? How do you cope with having type 2 diabetes? Are you being discriminated against because you have diabetes? You'll find answers to these questions, and more in this section.

Managing Your Diabetes

Find information on basic nutrition, health care, and other important resources, and connect with others who will listen and share their stories and advice.

Nutrition & Recipes
People with diabetes have the same nutritional needs as anyone else. Along with exercise and medications (insulin or oral diabetes pills), nutrition is important for good diabetes control.

Weight Loss & Exercise
Losing weight and keeping it off is a real challenge for most people. That's why it's important to begin a weight loss program with the help of your health care team, including, if possible, a dietitian.

Your Health Care Team - Your First Visit
Your first visit to a doctor who will treat your diabetes should have four parts. Learn what those parts are.

Health Information For Women
Learn how to help ensure the health and well-being for yourself.

Health Information For Men
Learn how to help ensure the health and well-being for yourself.

Recently Diagnosed Message Board "I was just dx (diagnosed) with Type II last week...It is hard when i had no clue what was going on. I struggle with the thought that my life has changed so much and its many different things i may have to do and my eating habits..." Subject: New To Me From: razrbacks64

Talk to a Friend

Connect with others who will listen and share their stories and advice.

Adults with Type 2 Message Board
Managing type 2 diabetes can be a full time job. Share your thoughts and experiences with others within the type 2 diabetes community.

Recently Diagnosed Message Board
It's essential for people with diabetes to take care of themselves and you'll meet lots of helpful, friendly people here who will help you through it.

Find a community support group
Support outside the family is important. Find someone in your area with whom you can talk to about your feelings, fears, and frustrations.

 

Additional Resources

2006 Resource Guide
This supplement to the Association's Magazine, Diabetes Forecast, is a comprehensive guide to diabetes products and services to help you get the most out of your diabetes care.

Diabetes Enewsletters
Whether you're looking for diabetes news updates, book information or ways to get involved, the American Diabetes Association has an e-newsletter that's right for you.

Message Boards

This is your space to share ideas and opinions on a variety of topics with people affected by diabetes. The American Diabetes Association does not review all information shared in the Message Boards area for accuracy. Those who use the Message Boards Area are strongly advised to consult their health care professional before altering any treatment.

Access all American Diabetes Association Message Boards