Diabetes
Being diagnosed with Diabetes can seem more than a little overwhelming. We want you to know that we are here and we care about helping you to understand what this diagnosis is all about, and what you can do in your specific situation. Please know that while it can seem scary, managing your Diabetes is attainable and that learning to do so can help you or those you care about live your best life.
In your goal to reduce the risk of long-term complications,
small steps can make a BIG difference!
Start here with this helpful, printable document:
4 Steps to Manage Your Diabetes For Life! (pdf)
Please read & fill out these pages to help you assess what small changes you can make to help you manage your Diabetes better. Bring it with you to your next appointment so that you and your doctor can have a conversation about your best plan!
Understanding Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Learn more about the different types of Diabetes on the American Diabetes Association Website: ADA Diabetes Basics
Type 1 Diabetes
From the ADA Website, “Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. Only 5% of people with diabetes have this form of the disease. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. The body breaks down the sugars and starches you eat into a simple sugar called glucose, which it uses for energy. Insulin is a hormone that the body needs to get glucose from the bloodstream into the cells of the body. With the help of insulin therapy and other treatments, even young children can learn to manage their condition and live long, healthy lives.”
Type 1 Educational Resources:
American Diabetes Association (ADA)
- ADA Home Page
- ADA Type 1 Diabetes Basics Resource Page
- ADA What Is Type 1 Diabetes? (pdf)
- ADA Living With Type 1 Diabetes
- ADA Exercise and Type 1 Diabetes
UpToDate.com (UTD)
- UTD Type 1 Diabetes Overview (Free “Beyond the Basics” Article)
(There is also more in-depth information available on this site with a paid subscription)
Type 2 Diabetes
From the ADA Website, “Diabetes is a problem with your body that causes blood glucose (sugar) levels to rise higher than normal. This is also called hyperglycemia.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. If you have type 2 diabetes your body does not use insulin properly. This is called insulin resistance. At first, your pancreas makes extra insulin to make up for it. But, over time it isn’t able to keep up and can’t make enough insulin to keep your blood glucose at normal levels.”
Type 2 Educational Resources:
American College of Physicians (ACP)
- ACP Comprehensive Diabetes Health Information Center
- ACP Patient FACTS Sheet – Type 2 Diabetes (pdf)
- ACP Living with Diabetes (pdf)
- ACP Managing Type 2 Diabetes Pamphlet (pdf)
- ACP Diabetic Ketoacidosis (pdf)
- ACP Prediabetes (pdf)
UpToDate.com (UTD)
- UTD Type 2 Diabetes Overview (Free “Beyond the Basics” Article)
(There is also more in-depth information available on this site with a paid subscription)
American Diabetes Association (ADA)
- ADA Home Page
- ADA Type 2 Diabetes Basics Resource Page
- ADA What Is Type 2 Diabetes? (pdf)
- ADA Living With Type 2 Diabetes
- ADA Are You Recently Diagnosed?
- ADA Where Do I Begin?
- ADA Are You at Risk?
Other Helpful Diabetes Links:
- ADA Diabetes Forecast Magazine: Diabetes “Healthy Living” lifestyle articles, including recipes and activity ideas.
- Medline Plus Diabetes page: Covers all areas under the Diabetes Mellitus Umbrella.
- Hormone Health Network: Diabetes information from a hormone disorder perspective.
- The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: How Diabetes relates to/affects other areas of your health.
Diabetes and Nutrition
When you have Diabetes, the food you eat can affect your health in a big way! Speak with your Doctor about making an appointment to talk with our consultant Dietitian, Emily Laurin of Eat Live Nutrition. She can give you guidance on making a nutrition plan that is right for you.
Other helpful nutrition links:
American Diabetes Association (ADA)
- ADA Diabetes: Explore Food Section (Start here if you are wondering what you can eat with Diabetes!)
- ADA Making Healthy Food Choices
- ADA “Create Your Plate!” (Interactive model where you can add foods to see how they add up to your ideal plate!)
- ADA “Diabetes Forecast” Magazine: “Healthy Living” Diabetes lifestyle articles, including recipes.
- ADA Diabetes Food Hub (Recipes)
- ADA Diabetes Superfoods (please check with your Doctor or Dietitian before making any of these foods a regular part of your eating plan)
Diabetes and Physical Activity
With Diabetes, movement is a great way to help your body respond to any kind of care plan! Walking for 30-45 minutes most days of the week may seem too simple to change things for the better, but it can have a dramatic, positive effect on your health! It’s a great way to start incorporating activity and build from there as your doctor advises. As always, please check with your doctor before incorporating any new kind of physical activity into your daily routine.
Other helpful activity links:
- ADA Diabetes Forecast Magazine: Diabetes “Healthy Living” lifestyle articles, including activity ideas.