Being newly diagnosed with diabetes can be confusing.
It can be daunting.
It can be downright scary.
But one thing is certain: with the widespread prevalence of diabetes in today’s world, you are definitely not alone.
If you or someone you know has been newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, read on to learn more about what this means and what you can do about it.
What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is when your pancreas either doesn’t make insulin or makes very little of it. Insulin helps blood sugar to enter your tissues’ cells so that they can use the sugar for energy. Without insulin, sugar cannot go from the blood into the cells. This causes sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream.
Common symptoms of newly onset type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is when fasting blood sugar is higher than 7 millimoles per liter on two separate tests. The onset of type 1 diabetes can be very sudden.
Frequent urination
The most common symptoms of new-onset type 1 diabetes are polydipsia and polyuria. Polyuria is frequent urination, whereas polydipsia is increased thirst.
Increased hunger and weight loss
Other common symptoms that signal the new onset of type 1 diabetes include polyphagia (increased hunger) and weight loss.
Type 1 diabetes management
Take insulin on daily basis
If you have type 1 diabetes, you require insulin to live. This means that you will need to take it every day, either by injecting it or by using an insulin pump.
The most important thing to know if you have newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes is when to take insulin. Insulin helps to prevent blood sugar from going too high. Take insulin if your blood sugar is above the healthy target range.
You may also need to take insulin before doing anything that can make it rise, such as the following:
- Drinking juice
- Drinking milk
- Eating
- Drinking soda
- Drinking energy drinks
Some other things that can increase your blood sugar levels include: stress, seasonal allergies, and colds or flu.
Blood sugar monitoring
You will also need to monitor your blood sugar levels to ensure that you stay within your target range. Your health care team will help you understand what that target range is and how to stay within it.
Keep glucagon kit nearby
It is crucial that you take your medications as your doctor recommends. Identify the fact that you have type 1 diabetes by wearing a tag or bracelet. Always keep a glucagon kit nearby, just in case you experience a low blood sugar emergency.
Lifestyle changes to make after a diabetes diagnosis
The most important changes you can make are related to nutrition. You’ll want to eat three balanced meals at the same time each day. Do not skip meals, and watch your portion sizes.
Consume foods and drinks that don’t contain sugar. Eat foods that are low in sodium and fat. Limit high-fat foods such as deep-fried or fast foods.
Coping tips and support for type 1 diabetes
Diabetes can have an impact on your emotions.
This can actually happen from a physiological standpoint since poorly controlled blood sugar can cause behavioral changes such as irritability.
This can also happen from a psychological standpoint. You may find that you resent your diabetes diagnosis from time to time.
It can be helpful to talk to other people with type 1 diabetes. There are both online and in-person support groups out there. You’ll find that fellow group members often know about the latest treatments and may share their own experiences and useful information.
Can newly diagnosed diabetes be reversed?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that usually has an earlier onset. You cannot reverse type1 diabetes.
Conclusion
You should now have a better understanding of type 1 diabetes you have been newly diagnosed with. You now know what usually happens after receiving this diagnosis and what kinds of lifestyle changes you can make.
If you have been newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, speak to your health care provider. They will be able to provide you with more knowledge and resources that can help you through this time. But most importantly of all, know that you are not alone and that there is a community of people out there just like you willing to help you through this.
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