Loading ...What do the words, “you have diabetes” mean? What will happen to you? How will you cope with the flood of information you must now process? Only those among us who have been there can truly understand the profound anxiety that accompanies being newly diagnosed.
Specific challenges await you, like that old Chinese proverb about the journey of a thousand miles that begins with a single step. Take a deep breath. You will learn how to live a longer and healthier life.
Fighting denial, guilt and fear are expected but reality does eventually set in and priorities must be established. You must now embrace physical activity as part of your evolving lifestyle. Diabetes is never convenient, but it is always manageable.
What does a newly diagnosed person with diabetes do first?
Focus on the positive
You are not alone and there is help everywhere.
- American Diabetes Association
- National Institutes of Health
- American Association of Diabetes Educators
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse
Be kind and patient with yourself as you learn the ins and outs of management. Remember the words of Dale Evans Rogers: “Life is not over because you have diabetes. Make the most of what you have, be grateful.”
Find the best medical resource team available to you
Ask your local hospital for help. They offer free seminars and discussion groups. Find a place that is not too far from your home with a staff that is “on call” to help you. Consult online forums, diabetes’ organizations and databases as well as companies that sell glucose testing machines. Their hot lines never close and someone will always have the time to talk to you about testing problems and reading fluctuations.
Forums are good for venting and sharing your feelings, but remember that someone’s opinion may not be your solution. Still, these outlets serve to remind you that you are not alone and that is why they are so important to the newly diagnosed person with diabetes.
Learn all you can about what you have
In the long run, it is you who will serve as your own best advocate for diabetes management. Read everything you can find on diabetes, particularly articles written by reliable sources. Even though you are newly diagnosed and may not yet know the impact of all the statistics, you will find there are more people out there just like you than you think. You must acknowledge that you need help as your perception of your diagnosis is directly related to how effectively you will be able to manage it.
Learn to Laugh
Learning to laugh is important. Thoughts and feelings have an enormous impact on your body, both positive and negative.
Financial help for the newly diagnosed
According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes spend on an average at least $12,000 annually on health care expense. Many need help in paying for medical services, particularly those involving self management training, diabetic supplies and various diagnostic tests. Consider options available through Medicare Advantage Plans such as HMOs or preferred provider organizations (PPOs).
For more information on financial help for the newly diagnosed, go to: National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse.
Help is there.
By: M Dee Dubroff
Photo credit: http://media.photobucket.com/image/diabetes/MichelleTRiley/myspace-diabetes.jpg?o=53
