Finding out you have diabetes is life changing. It is normal to experience a wide range of emotions including shock, fear, anger, guilt, apathy, or denial. Remember that it’s okay to feel any, all, or none of these things. Allow yourself to experience these emotions as you need to. Take steps to manage your stress and absorb the new information the best that you can.
Unfortunately, when you are at your doctor’s office following a diabetes diagnosis – there will be a lot of new information to learn. It can be overwhelming. Here is some information to help you navigate the first few steps you will take on your diabetes journey, and to help you know what to expect along the way.
How is Diabetes Diagnosed?
Note: blood glucose and blood sugar mean the same thing
| Test Name | Description | Meaning | Normal | Pre-Diabetes | Diabetes |
| Fasting Plasma Glucose Test | Fast (don’t eat) overnight, then test blood right away the morning | Tells us how well your body regulates your blood sugar during the night | Below 100 | Between 100-125 | Above 125 |
| Oral Glucose Tolerance Test | Fast (don’t eat) overnight, then drink a special sugar solution at the doctor’s office and test blood | Tells us how well your body digests the sugar solution today | Below 140 | Between 140-199 | Above 200 |
| A1c | Test blood at any time, even if you have eaten | Tells us the average of your blood sugar reading over the past 3 months | Below 5.7 | Between 5.7-6.4 | Above 6.5 |
When should I get my blood checked again?
Get rechecked every 3 months, unless your doctor instructs you differently.
What causes diabetes?
We don’t know exactly what causes diabetes. There are many different things that can increase your risk such as family history of diabetes, history of gestational diabetes (diabetes when you are pregnant), decreased physical activity, and increased body weight. Certain race/ethnic groups also have higher risk for getting diabetes: African American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander.
Does diabetes ever go away?
If you have normal blood sugar levels or if you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, it is possible to reduce your chances of getting diabetes. Talk with your healthcare team about what you can do to prevent diabetes.
If you already have diabetes, this means that you have had pre-diabetes for quite some time even though you may not have known about it. If your blood test result is high, this means diabetes is already developed. Diabetes can be controlled, but it does not completely reverse once it is developed. In general the sooner you receive treatment in the course of your diabetes, the more responsive your body will be to the treatment.
Is there hope?
Yes. Even though we don’t have a cure for diabetes, there is a lot that you can do to keep yourself healthy despite having a chronic condition. You can take important steps to improve your health, which will slow the progression of diabetes and prevent serious problems from developing in the future. 1 in 3 Americans live with diabetes, and many are able to still have normal lives.
What can I do?
People with diabetes who keep their blood sugar numbers at the target levels recommended by their doctor have the best outcomes and quality of life. It takes some time to learn how to do this, and to figure out what kind of treatment is going to work best for you.
The first step will be to learn basic survival skills. Be patient with yourself, not all of the changes you need to make are going to happen all at once. You will need some time to absorb the fact that you have diabetes and to cope with many of the common emotions that people experience when they find out they have diabetes.
What happens if I wait to treat diabetes?
Diabetes that goes untreated affects your body, even if you don’t feel it right away. In the short term, high blood sugar can cause extreme thirst, tiredness, frequent urination, and stomach pain. If your blood sugar gets too high, it can cause you to go into a coma and die. Long term, some of the most common and serious problems caused by high blood sugar are damage to your blood vessels and your heart. It can also cause kidney failure and loss of vision. These problems are usually preventable when diabetes is treated successfully.
What if I can’t afford to treat my diabetes?
Unfortunately, medications and doctor appointments can be expensive. However, the long-term problems that diabetes can cause if left untreated are even more costly. If you have concerns about how you are going to pay for your medications, please talk to your doctor about what the most affordable options for care might be.
What if I feel too much stress and anxiety about my diabetes?
Many people dealing with a chronic disease experience stress, anxiety, fear or depression about the future and about day to day living. If you are experiencing any of these feelings and you think it may hold you back from taking care of your diabetes, you may find it helpful to meet with a professional counselor. Ask your doctor about getting an appointment set up.
What comes next?
- Come to your next follow up with your doctor
- Ask your doctor if you can talk with a diabetes educator, who can help you get started learning basic survival skills
- Talk with your doctor about any concerns or questions you have about starting your diabetes treatment
- Ask for support from a close friend or family member, or seek professional counseling
American Association of Diabetes Educators. (2015). Diabetes Education Curriculum: A Guide to Successful Self-Management (2nd ed.). Chicago, IL: American Association of Diabetes Educators.
Midtown Health Tips for Diabetics 