Just Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Now What?

Just Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Now What?

Just Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Now What?

Your doctor just told you that you have type 2 diabetes. What happens now? Will you be able to eat food you enjoy? Will you need insulin or other medications? Will this lead to other health problems?  There’s a lot of information out there, some reliable and some not. Meeting with a diabetes educator—often a nurse with specialized training—is the best way for newly diagnosed people to get the support they need, including guidance on how to: Develop a healthy eating and activity plan. Test your blood sugar and keep a record of the results. Take medications if needed. Recognize the signs of high or low blood sugar and what to do about it. Monitor your feet, skin, and eyes to catch problems early. Buy diabetes supplies and store them properly. Ask your doctor to recommend a diabetes educator, or search the American Association of Diabetes Educators’ nationwide directory for a list of educators in your community.

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For more information:   

• CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation
• Diabetes Basics
• Managing Diabetes
• Find a Diabetes Educator
• Diabetes Features & Spotlights
• CDC Diabetes on Facebook
• @CDCDiabetes on Twitter