So you were diagnosed with diabetes and you’re officially a diabetic newbie!
The doctor gave you a prescription, told you to change your diet, maybe gave you a brochure and a new appointment within the next 3 or 6 months. What next?
The most important is to keep strong! Life is beautiful even with diabetes around. You will need to make a few adjustments, maybe you’ll have to give up on some of your favorite foods and drinks, but trust me, you will find new favorite dishes and snacks that will give you the same amount of pleasure. There will come a time when you will understand that some of those things you loved so much were just pure poison that made your body ill. And one day you will taste those things again and they will make you feel sick literally.
Treat diabetes, no matter of the type, like a wake-up call to turn to a better lifestyle that includes a healthy diet, exercise, real socializing with friends and family and have more contact with nature and God.
The very first steps of a diabetic newbie are:
- Don’t stress! As long as your heart beats, there is always hope for better! Together, we will fix this!
- Go to the pharmacy and get your medication and your glucometer
- Buy yourself a diary
- Buy yourself a book about diabetes. It can be about glucose or a low glycemic cook book
- Once at home, throw away all the unhealthy food from your fridge and cupboards
- Make a new shopping list and, of course, go shopping
- Start cooking, have dinner no later than 4 hours before sleep
- Take your medication
- Have a good night sleep
Next day to do list:
- When you wake up, check your glucose
- Have a good breakfast
- Check your glucose again 30 to 45 minutes after your breakfast and 2 hours after your last bite
- Take your medication if you have any to take
- Start to fill in your diary
- Start to get acquainted with diabetes: read your books, become a member of diabetes groups on social media, read through this blog
- Live your life
Although it might be overwhelming and seem too difficult, do not despair! This is a new reality that you will have to get used to and live with. It is not horrible, unless you make it impossible to live with. As I said, life can be beautiful even with diabetes. It only depends on your attitude towards this new life. It can be a great one if you want to.