Did you recently get diagnosed with type 2 diabetes? Well, we’re here to tell you it’s not the end of the world! With the right treatment and some changes to your lifestyle, you can live a long, healthy life on your terms. While there’s no magic formula to cure type 2 diabetes, there are many things you can do to keep your blood sugar levels well managed. This will help to reduce your risk for complications and as a result, improve your quality of life. Here are 5 ways to manage your newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.
How to Manage Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes
Medical Nutrition Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes
Balancing your meals with a variety of food groups is incredibly important if you have diabetes because it helps keep your blood sugar stable. When you have diabetes, your body is experiencing challenges regulating the amount of sugar in your blood. Balanced meals contain carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, which help to provide a steady release of glucose into the bloodstream.
This means you won’t experience sudden spikes or drops in your blood sugar levels, which can have lasting effects. Balanced meals also provide important vitamins, minerals and nutrients that your body needs to stay healthy. They can help to reduce the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure, along with other chronic conditions. By eating balanced meals, you’re more likely to have stable numbers, leading to improved energy and mood.
Engage in Consistent Exercise
Insulin is a hormone that controls blood sugar levels and exercise helps your body respond better to insulin. When you exercise, your muscles use up glucose for energy, which lowers the amount of glucose in your blood. This helps your body use insulin more effectively and move glucose from the blood into your cells.
Exercise also helps your muscles use up glucose without needing as much insulin. This effect can continue even after you’re done exercising, which helps keep your blood sugar levels in check. As if that weren’t enough of a reason, exercise can also strengthen your heart, lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels. These benefits are important if you have diabetes because your risk for heart complications goes up.
It’s important to mention that stress is very common among people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes because in addition to the stress of daily life, you now also have to think about medical appointments, blood sugar fluctuations, and possibly medication management. Exercise is a great stress reliever. When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones that can raise blood sugar levels. By exercising, you can manage stress and keep your blood sugar in a healthy range.
Remember, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting an exercise routine, especially if you have diabetes. They can give you personalized advice based on your specific needs so that your blood sugars don’t drop too low.
Consider Medication
The truth is that sometimes lifestyle changes alone won’t cut it, and that’s when your provider might prescribe medication to help manage your newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. It may be pills or injections—one is not better than the other and you have to decide with your provider what the best choice is for you. There’s nothing wrong with taking medication and if you have concerns or unpleasant side effects, let your provider know so you can get more information and support.
Blood Sugar Home Monitoring
You can keep an eye on your blood sugar levels with a glucometer or continuous glucose monitor. Glucometers are handheld devices that let you check your blood sugar using a small drop of blood from your finger. You place the blood on a test strip, which goes into the meter. Within a few seconds, the meter shows your blood sugar level on a screen.
CGM systems are more advanced. They involve a small sensor placed under your skin, usually on your abdomen and the sensor continuously measures your glucose levels. It sends this information to a receiver or smartphone app, providing you with real-time readings throughout the day and night. CGM systems are helpful because they show how your blood sugar changes over time and can alert you if you go too high or too low.
By regularly reviewing your glucose monitoring data, you can make adjustments to your nutrition and/or medication plan with your providers. This proactive approach empowers you to make real-time changes based on your glucose readings.
See Your Treatment Team Regularly
Don’t neglect those regular check-ups with your primary doctor, endocrinologist, ophthalmologist, dentist, podiatrist and dietitian! Your primary doctor or endocrinologist will check your blood sugar levels, see how well your treatment plan is working, and keep an eye out for any potential complications. Don’t skip those appointments—it’s all part of taking care of yourself.
The specific specialists and their frequency of visits can vary based on individual needs, overall health, and the type of diabetes but here are our recommendations for how often to see your providers:
- Primary Care Physician (PCP): The primary care physician plays a crucial role in overseeing overall health and coordinating diabetes management. Regular visits every 3-6 months with the PCP are important to monitor blood sugar control, review medications, and address any general health concerns.
- Endocrinologist: An endocrinologist specializes in hormonal disorders, including diabetes. They can provide more specialized care for individuals with complex diabetes cases or those who need insulin management, medication adjustments, or guidance on diabetes-related complications. Visits can also be done every 3-6 months, as needed.
- Registered Dietitian (RD) or Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE): A registered dietitian with expertise in diabetes or a certified diabetes educator can offer guidance on meal planning and managing blood sugar levels through nutrition. They can help develop personalized meal plans and provide ongoing education and support. You can meet with your dietitian every 1-4 weeks, depending on your needs and coverage.
- Ophthalmologist or Optometrist: Regular eye exams by an ophthalmologist or optometrist are essential to monitor eye health and detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy or other diabetes-related eye complications. The frequency of visits can vary, but an annual eye exam is typically recommended.
- Podiatrist: Foot complications, such as neuropathy and peripheral artery disease, are common in diabetes. A podiatrist specializes in foot care and can perform regular foot examinations, provide preventive care, and address any foot-related issues. We recommend preventative foot care at least once a year.
- Dentist: Diabetes increases the risk of gum disease and other oral health problems. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are important to maintain oral health. It’s recommended to visit the dentist at least twice a year or as advised by the dental professional.
It’s important to work with your healthcare team to determine the appropriate frequency of visits to specialists based on your unique circumstances and diabetes management plan. Regular communication and collaboration among the various healthcare professionals involved can help ensure comprehensive and coordinated care for diabetes.
Managing type 2 diabetes can be a bit of a rollercoaster, but you got this! Don’t get down on yourself if things don’t always go perfectly. Celebrate the small victories along the way, and don’t be afraid to lean on your friends and family for support. There are so many challenges to having diabetes, but having the right people in your corner will help you overcome them. Eating balanced meals, taking your medication if needed, monitoring your blood sugar levels, connecting with others, and keeping up with your check-ups will help you feel more empowered living with diabetes.
If you’re interested in additional support for managing your newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, get started with one of our expert dietitians today!
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