2006-07-21 02:50:44 · 19 answers · asked by sweet edin 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
diabetes is very manageable and won't limit your lifestyle if you eat right. check with your endocrinologist who will educate you on how to check and maintain blood sugar levels as well as insulin levels. it may take a few months, but you should be able to balance things out through trial and error (yes, trial and error is what the doc will do) and you will feel normal or even better than normal with new and healthier lifestyle choices. good luck!
2006-07-21 02:54:09 · answer #1 · answered by Erik C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Relax. I have lived a healthy, happy life for 16 years with Type 2 diabetes.
The real key is balance. You want to keep your blood sugar level.
A good second step (after you relax, because stress can mess with your blood sugar) is to contact your local hospital. They probably have a diabetes educator on staff. If so, make an appointment. This is someone who can help you figure out a plan for your food, exercise, etc. If they don't have an actual diabetes educator, they will either have someone else for you to talk to, or they will be able to tell you where to locate someone who can help.
A really useful tool is a Blood Sugar Monitor. The diabetes educator can explain how to use this to help you track how you're doing. You can purchase these at most pharmacies, and your insurance will probably cover at least part of the cost of the monitor and the supplies.
Basically, we need to do all of those things that everyone else is supposed to do--eat healthy, exercise, get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water. It's just a little more imperative for us.
It takes a little getting used to, but it's worth it. You'll probably begin feeling better right away.
Best wishes!
2006-07-21 03:02:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my grandson of 6 years old just found out he had it a year ago. It was hard for him at first but he is really coming along good. If he can deal with it you can too. It just takes time and alot of patience on your part. There is alot of information and chat rooms on the subject on the diabetes site. It would be good to check it out.You also might need some counciling to get you though the beggining I think it was harder for the family in the begining then it was for him.But now he takes his shots 4 times a day and eats healthy as a 6 year old can. Just be patient and you will find out that it is something you cant do about it but everything will work out.
Take care
2006-07-21 03:21:11 · answer #3 · answered by emileyepearl53 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Eating right and becoming more active are the best things you can do to control diabetes. Try swimming (if you're afraid of the water, take lessons...I just started taking lessons and they've helped me a lot!), gardening, bellydancing or other dancing, and walking in the park.
One book I highly recommend buying is "Magic Menus" put out by the American Diabetic Association. The recipes are easy and taste good. I love the Chocolate Angel Food Cake recipe. Good luck!
2006-07-21 02:58:19 · answer #4 · answered by darthbouncy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Seriously consider doing Low carb! I am member of a forum called www.lowcarbfriends.com. There are many people on this forum who have been dianosed diabetic or have diabetes and their symptoms have either stopped completely or finally controlled.
My father who has diabetes was told my his doctor to get the sugar buster's book and guess what! It is basically low carb.
One thing this book says that is so true. Avoid "white things" Such as white flour, sugar, potatoes, rice, white bread etc. Each of these items will raise your glucose level as they turn to sugar in the stomach.
Try the forum I mentioned above and ask people about what they did about diabetes. You will be glad you did.
Good luck
2006-07-21 02:57:05 · answer #5 · answered by Skeeter 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just do everything your doctor tells you to do. Eat healthy. Make better food choices. Exercise every day. Go to all your appointments...eye, foot and internal medicine. You will probably go through a few different meds before they find what will work best for you. Don't get discouraged. Just live healthier is the most important thing. And keep your head up.....very many people have diabetes. And very many of them are doing a good job of handling it.
2006-07-21 02:55:12 · answer #6 · answered by *~*~*~*~* 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to be followed up by an endocrinologist that specializes in diabetic management. Depending on the type, you can expect to make dietary changes/exercise changes and medication changes. Type I (juvenile) is managed with insulin. Type II (adult onset) is often managed with diet and possible oral hypoglycemics. Initially you will probably need to manage yourself with blood sugar checks before every meal and at bedtime, take SQ insulin to get your levels within normal ranges. If your Type II you may then be able to possible switch to oral hypoglycemics, modify your diet, and get involved in an exercise program (exercise burns off sugar). It seems overwhelming at first, but once under control it is very manageable with certain modifications and you'll actually feel better! Please, take it seriously-if you don't the complications are multi-system (heart/kidneys/vision/circulation/liver) Best of luck, feel better!
2006-07-21 03:02:43 · answer #7 · answered by dulcern4u 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There must be a Diabetic Assn. in your area that would have pamphlets. Or just input "diabetes" in your seach function and I'm sure you will get all kinds of information.
And I bet many people you already know have diabetes 2 and will gladly give you advice. Not to worry - it is controllable.
2006-07-21 02:57:33 · answer #8 · answered by william a 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The American Diabetes Association and the Canadian Diabetes Association both have excellent resources. Check them out for tips on diet, managing the disease, and taking care of yourself
2006-07-21 02:54:05 · answer #9 · answered by Diane 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DM is a commen Dx. you are not isolated, more than you know have this. and in one perspective, it is a controllable Dx. So consider yourself lucky that you don't have something that is not controllable or is terminal. However, more than ever you must take care of yourself, eat right, be-careful not to get sores. DM have a harder time in the healing process. Follow your doctors orders for medications and such. You are also in there years of lots of good in no or low in sugar foods. this was not available years ago, and if it was it tasted terrible. if I was you, and you have not recently been taking care of yourself as you should, start a goal sheet for yourself, good luck
2006-07-21 03:02:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋