Drew Williams21 said:So my doctor just dropped the news today that I’ve got diabetes, so if anyone could lay out some basics about the disease and what I should expect coming down the pipeline—it would really help me out [and I bet there are others wondering the same thing]
http://mayoclinic.org/There's a ton of info over there—especially regarding diet (check out those food charts to help you figure out portions, types of food, and how to mix things up). You’re probably sharper than I am, so you’ll catch on quickly that on the "nutrition" page, you have to click the picture of something like a salad to actually get to the data tables. It took me like two months to realize that 🤣
Your doctor probably mentioned whether you're Type 1 or Type 2. Here's the gist: with Type 1, your pancreas basically goes on strike and refuses to make insulin, whereas with Type 2, you basically have to sweet-talk it into doing its job 😁
I don't know how you're holding up, but honestly, when I first found out, I was in total shock. Those sites that the folks above linked are super helpful, though they can be pretty brutal because they really hammer home the complications and the risk of death 🙄
From what I've gathered, those scary complications people used to assume were inevitable? Nowadays, it's actually pretty easy to slow them down or even stop them entirely. It all comes down to how much work you're willing to put in. If you stay disciplined with your diet, keep moving with regular exercise, and keep a close eye on your blood sugar, you can dodge most of the issues with Type 2. It’s similar for Type 1, except you gotta deal with the little shots before you eat. And look, you *could* always decide you don't actually need your left foot, or that having two kidneys is overrated 😬 Basically, your future with diabetes is entirely in your own hands.
Having a good doctor—an endocrinologist specifically—is huge, especially at the start while you're still trying to find your groove. It wouldn't hurt to join a diabetes support group, too; apparently, they're full of good vibes, advice, and reading material. I haven't joined one yet because I seriously hate joining organizations, but I'm planning to
I've been living with Type 1 for less than a year now. I've gone through all the stages: from complete freaking out, to that "honeymoon phase" where I convinced myself I was miraculously cured 🤣 to doing four finger pricks a day. Now, I feel (and honestly, I look 😉 ) better than ever.
Bottom line: diabetes isn't the end of the world 😁