When you are newly diagnosed with diabetes, understanding the risk factors and how your diagnosis was made is a crucial first step. This guide covers the key risk factors for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and explains standard diagnostic tests. This article links you to additional resources and topics that can help you figure out your next steps after diagnosis.
Risk/Diagnosis of Diabetes
Learn about the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes and how each is diagnosed. Knowing the risk factors can help you understand and avoid some diagnoses, while correctly diagnosing can help manage it better.
Types of Diabetes
Learn basic info about type 1, type 1.5, and type 2 diabetes and their characteristics. Figure out which kind of diabetes you have.
Diabetes Control
One main goal in diabetes is keeping blood glucose levels near the normal range. Keeping these levels in the non-diabetic range dramatically reduces the risk of complications associated with diabetes. People who achieve reasonable control over their blood sugars feel better, have more energy and are less prone to severe swings in blood sugar levels.
Blood Sugar Testing
Blood sugar testing is essential for all people with diabetes. Typically a person measures their glucose level with a meter and strips at home. The goal is to reach a sugar level closest to the non-diabetic range as safely as possible. Testing is essential because symptoms alone cannot accurately determine the blood sugar level.
Diet & Nurition Plans
Proper nutrition management, or a food plan, is essential for better glucose control. This, in turn, helps reduce the risk of diabetes complications. An individualized food nutrition plan based on exchanges or carb counting should meet your nutritional needs while including various foods without being overly restrictive. Daily consistency regarding the types of foods included in the meal, their nutritional information, and the time at which they are consumed will help to normalize blood glucose levels.
Insulins
Insulin is a hormone made by the beta cells in the pancreas and used by the body to allow glucose to enter the cells for energy. With Type 1 diabetes, the beta cells are no longer active, so insulin injections replace the body’s insulin. With Type 2 diabetes, the body is usually producing insulin, but insulin resistance means that the insulin produced is not enough to keep the blood sugar normal.
Your Diabetes Healthcare Team
When you are diagnosed with diabetes, there is a lot to learn. Luckily, many people can help. Building your healthcare team with the right members will ensure a healthy understanding of diabetes management. Your team members will help you learn what to eat, exercise, manage your emotions, take medicines, and much more. Who should be in your healthcare team?
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