The diagnosis of any medical condition can be a scary and unpredictable event. There are certain things that you can do to decrease the initial scare of a diabetic diagnosis. It is important to remember that diabetes can be controlled. It is possible to regulate and maintain normal blood sugar levels with proper attention and care.

Education is Information

The first step with the diagnosis of any condition is to take the time to educate yourself about diabetes. Information is available in newspapers, books, magazines, and over the internet. Research your condition including:

• Diagnosis: How were you diagnosed? Is the diagnosis typically correct? What type of diabetes have you been diagnosed with?
• Treatment Methods: There are several treatment methods currently available for diabetic individuals. Find out your treatment options and discuss them with your physician.
• Complications: There are certain complications associated with the condition of diabetes; take time to research them and how to minimize your risk for development.
• Sugar: Research sugars and how they interact in your body. Why is sugar important? How does the body utilize sugar? What does insulin have to do with sugar levels?
• Insulin: Insulin regulates sugar levels. Diabetes is the condition where insulin levels are not properly regulated, or insulin is not properly produced and secreted. Research how these methods work.
• Food: Research the specific recommended foods that should be eaten and foods that should not.

Questions for Type 1 Diabetics: Insulin Dependent

A diagnosis of type 1 diabetes means that your diabetes is dependent upon the administration of insulin to your body, typically because your pancreas is not producing or secreting enough insulin for the control of blood sugar levels. There are certain things you should research and things to discuss with your physician that will benefit your overall decisions about regulation and treatment.

• What is type 1 diabetes?
• What are the causes of diabetes
• Are there other symptoms associated with my diabetes?
• What types of insulin are available?
• How will I administer the insulin?
• Are there any short term side effects?
• Are there any long term side effects?
• Are there any associated health risks?
• Does taking insulin affect any of my other medications?
• Are there specific dietary changes?
• Should I make certain lifestyle changes?

Questions for Type 2 Diabetics: Non-Insulin Dependent

A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes means that your diabetes can be controlled through the use of medications, typically because your body has an increased resistance levels to insulin.

• What is type 2 diabetes?
• What are my treatment options?
• What caused my diabetes?
• Is diabetes responsible for my other symptoms?
• Are there any long term side effects?
• Are there any short term side effects?
• Does this diagnosis affect any of my other medications?
• Are there any associated health risks?
• Should I make certain lifestyle changes?
• Are there specific dietary changes?
• Are there natural methods to control my diabetes?

http://www.diabetes.org/about-diabetes.jsp
http://diabetes.webmd.com/healthy-diet-basics