For most patients, their first questions after a doctor diagnoses them with type 2 diabetes are: “What can I do about this? What happens next?”
In some cases, people find out after experiencing a significant health event, such as a diabetic coma, heart attack, or stroke. Others discover their condition after getting standard blood tests or when they see a physician about symptoms they’ve been experiencing (like feeling extra thirsty or or experiencing blurred vision) that they don’t realize are related to type 2 diabetes.
No matter how you came to learn about your new condition, you aren’t alone. Your provider will be there every step of the way. They will explain confusing medical terms and make recommendations to help you reach your target levels and take control of your body.
Diabetes management won’t work with medication alone. Read on to learn what you need to know about living with type 2 diabetes so that you can stay as healthy as possible after your diagnosis.
What is type 2 diabetes? Type 2 diabetes is the name for what happens when your body stops being able to process blood sugars normally because of a resistance to insulin caused by your pancreas’ inability make enough insulin to control blood glucose levels.
Good news—you are already taking one of the most important first steps to stay healthy after getting diagnosed with diabetes: you’re investing in your future by taking time to get educated about your new condition!
Having diabetes increases your risk of developing other conditions. That’s why diabetes education is an essential part of staying healthy and doing what you can to prevent potential health complications, including eye diseases, nerve damage, kidney disease, and more.
Learn the lingo: Common type 2 diabetes terms
- Blood pressure: Blood pressure is a measurement used to track the force of blood pumped by your heart (systolic) into your arteries and what happens when your heart is at rest (diastolic). Goal: Below 140/90 (always check with your provider as this may be even lower for some patients)
- A1C: A1C, also known as glycated hemoglobin, is a measurement used to determine how well your body is controlling blood sugar. Goal: Typically below 7 percent
- LDL cholesterol: LDL cholesterol, sometimes known as “bad cholesterol,” makes the bulk of the cholesterol in your body. It is a waxy substance used for natural functions, including activities like building cells, making hormones, and more, but too much can cause problems. Goal: Typically below 100
Learn about the importance of diabetes education
Monitor blood sugar
Making sure that your blood sugar low is essential for preventing some problems caused by diabetes, but it isn’t the only important thing.
Make positive lifestyle changes
Your physician will work with you to make a customized strategy for keeping your blood sugar under control and staying as healthy as possible.
This may include taking medications as well as making lifestyle changes related to staying active and adding more healthy foods to your diet (especially vegetables, fruits, and whole grains), as well as avoiding or limiting alcohol and stopping smoking.
Get tips for preventing diabetic foot ulcers
Join a support group
There’s strength in numbers. Being a part of a community means never having to go it alone when you’re faced with challenges managing your diabetes and keeping your blood sugar under control.
Logansport Memorial Hospital hosts a private Facebook group for our patients to make personal connections, discuss your feelings and worries, get encouragement when you need it, share practical advice, and much more.
Request to join our diabetes support group
Personalized care for patients with type 2 diabetes
Logansport Memorial Hospital’s compassionate, experienced team is committed to keeping you healthy, active, and feeling your best. If you need a expert help to keep your type 2 diabetes under control, we can help.
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