Life with Diabetes

There is life after being diagnosed with diabetes. If you’re newly diagnosed, the idea of living with diabetes can be intimidating. Knowledge is power and can give you the tools you need to live with and manage the disease.

You’ll need to consider your diet and make adjustments in what you eat, your portions and when you need to eat. You’ll need to get physically active, regularly check your blood glucose (if your doctor prescribes this), go to your appointments, and you may need to take medications.

Being active will help you have more energy, relieve stress and keep your joints flexible.

There isn’t a one-size fits all diet for diabetes, so you’ll need to find what works for you. This may involve some trial and error, but there are some common foods that are always great for diabetes – and health in general.

Eat a variety of foods, including fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and non-fat dairy foods. Meats are still OK, but choose lean meats or even meat substitutes. Don’t overeat and space your meals evenly throughout the day to help maintain your glucose levels.

Check the bookstore for good cookbooks for people with diabetes. You may be able to find some great recipes that will include detailed nutrition information. The American Diabetes Association publishes a new cookbook each year.

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