A Three-Step To-Do List for Newly-Diagnosed Diabetics

It’s a day millions of Americans will never forget: the day they discovered they had diabetes. For newly-diagnosed diabetics, the news can be devastating. Yet with time, patience, and hard work, living with diabetes can be manageable.

But it’s important to get off on the right foot; health experts recommend newly-diagnosed diabetics do three things as soon as possible.

First, diabetics should sign up for a comprehensive diabetes class. While more and more information is out there to educate individuals about proper diabetes care, there is still a lot of ignorance and confusion. A diabetes class will teach diabetics how the disease works, how it is treated, and how it can be properly managed on a day-to-day basis.

Second, the newly-diagnosed should get a brand new blood glucose monitor. Diabetics should never use monitors given to them by friends or family members, as they run the risk of contracting blood-borne pathogens.

And lastly, diabetics should closely monitor their carbohydrate intake until they meet with a dietician who can draw up a customized regimen. And while the temptation may be there, carbs and sugars should not be eliminated from one’s diet entirely, as it can reduce one’s glucose levels to abnormally low levels.

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