For people with diabetes, the condition affects their every single bodily organ from the brain to the eyes, the heart and more. If one has recently been diagnosed with Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes, however, it is important to know that with proper care, it’s possible to live well with the condition and avoid serious complications. It’s important to understand how the disease affects day to day function, overall wellness, and longevity.
Early diagnosis and treatment are key.

The first year after diagnosis is a crucial time for patients with Type 2 diabetes. While it’s always important to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, new research shows that better control during the first year can reduce the future risk for complications, including kidney disease, eye disease, stroke, heart failure and poor circulation to the limbs.

Long-term, high blood sugars caused by uncontrolled diabetes cause inflammation and changes at the cellular level, as the body produces less insulin and struggles to process excess glucose in the bloodstream. This disrupts the foundations of how blood vessels are formed, which can lead to circulatory issues years later — “microvascular” problems like kidney disease, eye disease and poor circulation in the limbs, or “macrovascular” problems like heart disease and stroke.

Early institution of treatment for diabetes, at a time when the A1C is not substantially elevated, is associated with improved glycemic management over time and decreased long-term complications.

Early diagnosis and proper nutrition remain the greatest approaches for diabetics to improve positive health outcomes, particularly in terms of heart health.
Lifestyle modification focusing on dietary and other lifestyle contributors to hyperglycemia should be initiated. Weight loss and weight loss maintenance underpins all effective type 2 diabetes therapy, and lifestyle change reduces the risk of weight gain associated with sulfonylureas and insulin.

Aspects of a diabetic care plan early in disease course: Each plan includes a variety of treatment and lifestyle modalities for early detection of complication, including:

• Daily checks of blood glucose levels with an at-home monitor
• Having your A1C levels assessed at least every three months
• Understanding and taking medications—oral or insulin injections—and reporting their side effects
• Understanding how to control episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• A program of healthy eating and daily exercise
• Proper foot care, including daily inspection of your feet for pressure points, sores, or cuts
• Routine health screening with your primary care physician, including cholesterol, blood pressure, and kidney function tests
• Routine eye examinations as people with diabetes are prone to problems with their retinas and other important structures in the eye

Ways to be more active.

• Set a goal to be more active most days of the week. Start slowing by taking 10-minute walks, 3 times a day.
• Twice a week, work to increase your muscle strength. Use the stretch bands, do yoga, heavy gardening (digging and planting with tools), or try push-ups.
• Stay at or get to a healthy weight by using your meal plan and moving more.

Cope with your diabetes

•  Stress can raise the blood sugar. Learn ways to lower the stress. Try deep breathing, gardening, taking a walk, meditating, working on your hobby, or listening to your favorite music.
• Ask for help if you feel down. A mental health counselor, support group, member of the clergy, friend, or family member who will listen to your concerns may help you feel better.
• Eat well.
• Make a diabetes meal plan with help from your health care team.
• Choose foods that are lower in calories, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar, and salt.
• Eat foods with more fiber, such as whole grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice, or pasta.
• Choose foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, bread and cereals, and low-fat or skim milk and cheese.
• Drink water instead of juice and regular soda.
  
• When eating a meal, fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, one quarter with a lean protein, such as beans, or chicken or turkey without the skin, and one quarter with a whole grain, such as brown rice or whole wheat pasta.

Know what to do every day for long term glycemic control.

• Take your medicines for diabetes and any other health problems even when you feel good. Tell your doctor if you cannot afford your medicines or if you have any side effects.
• Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, red spots, and swelling. Call your health care team right away about any sores that do not go away.
• Brush your teeth and floss every day to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy.
• Stop smoking. Ask for help to quit
• Keep track of the blood sugar. You may want to check it one or more times a day. Use the card at the back of this booklet to keep a record of your blood sugar numbers. Be sure to talk about it with your health care team.
• Check your blood pressure if your doctor advises and keep a record of it.