Being diagnosed with adult-onset diabetes (also called type 2 or non-insulin dependent) is an overwhelming experience for many people. There are many terms to learn, confusion about diet, concerns about quality of life, and it can be difficult to even know what questions you need to ask.
When I was part of a team of hosts in diabetic chats on MSN, many people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes asked variations of these questions: "Will life ever be the same?" "Am I going to die?" "What am I supposed to eat now?"
I think a friend of mine explained it best.
For all your life, you've driven a car with an automatic transmission. Now, you need to learn to drive a stick-shift. You can still get where you want to go, but it may take a bit more thought.
Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is just a curve in the road of life. Most people with type 2 diabetes are able to control the disease with lifestyle changes, diet, exercise, and/or medication. We can live happy and healthy lives with a little shift in gears. There is a lot to learn. The good news is that it's a journey, not the end of the road. There are people out here who understand what you're feeling as you try to find your way. On this website, I want to share some of the information and resources that I have found along my own journey.
Disclaimer
The information made available through this web site is not intended to replace the services of a physician or certified diabetes educator. Information provided is for educational purposes only. The author of this web site is not a doctor or CDE, she is a person living with diabetes. This website does not advocate any specific medications or diet. You should consult a physician in all matters relating to your health.
Life After Diabetes
It's all about the attitude. It is unfortunate but you are going to run into some people who will blame you for having diabetes. Excess weight and a sedentary lifestyle are risk factors for type 2 diabetes and it is likely that a lot of type 2 diabetes could be prevented by diet and exercise. This is a complicated issue, more complicated than it appears on the surface. Still, there is no argument that nearly everyone could benefit from a healthy diet and physical exercise.
Blaming yourself, or letting yourself feel blamed, however, is just not a useful attitude. It's an attitude that says "I'm so bad, I deserve to be diabetic." NO ONE deserves diabetes. Diabetes is not a punishment it's a disease.
It's difficult and scary to think about making big changes in our lives, but it is vital that we learn to live with diabetes and to live well. Uncontrolled diabetes leads to serious complications. Having diabetes is not the end of the road. It doesn't mean you can never eat your favorite foods or never do the things you enjoy again. Remember, you'll still get to where you're going, it may just take a little more thought.