Do You Have Newly Diagnosed Diabetes?

Do you have newly diagnosed diabetes?

This introductory information has been designed to inform you of where you can seek help and knowledge to help you manage your condition until you can make contact with your doctor and diabetes educator.

Having �diabetes� means you have a condition where the body cannot automatically control the level of glucose in the blood. This can lead to becoming unwell, but you can enjoy a healthy life with �diabetes� with support from your friends, family, and health professionals.

Reactions to �Diabetes�

�Why me?� This is a question that is often asked, particularly if the person doesn�t know of any family members with diabetes. Shock, fear, anger or denial, are common reactions people feel when given the news they have diabetes.

Sometimes people are relieved that it is diabetes, knowing that it is a condition that can be treated and controlled.

Feeling depressed is not uncommon following the diagnosis of diabetes and if temporary, is a natural reaction. If these feelings persist after 6 � 12 months, you should speak to your doctor. Counselling may help you to see things more positively and to adjust to having diabetes. The counsellor is an important member of the diabetes care team.

Where to get help: Finding the right advice.

For the right advice please contact a diabetes service with a location close to you. Having someone who understands, to talk things over with can be a good way to adjust and come to terms with having diabetes.

Family and friends are well meaning and eager to help, but their advice can sometimes be confusing. Remembers that they are just as anxious as you are, and are trying to help. Talk to them about how you feel.

Learn as much as you can about diabetes. Programs run in groups are an interesting and enjoyable way to learn.

There are a number of diabetes support groups available on the Northern Rivers, and also on the Mid North Coast.

Your Diabetes Management Team

You, the person with diabetes are the most important member of the team, with others to offer you resources, support, education and medical care.

Health professionals who can assist you with managing your diabetes include your general practitioner, diabetes specialist/physician, diabetes educator, dietitian, podiatrist, ophthalmologist (eye specialist), and counsellor.

The role of you general practitioner is to advise on, manage and monitor your diabetes. The diabetes educator will help with your management by proving support, education and information, and teach necessary self-management skills. The dietitian role is to provide dietary guidelines and advice on healthy eating. The podiatrist can assess and manage problems of the feet, and give advice, for example choice of appropriate foot wear. Please determine your closest diabetes service and make arrangements to be seen.

Your Responsibility

The more you know about diabetes the easier you will find it to manage, day by day and for special events. People with diabetes have been Olympic athletes, AFL footballers, famous entertainers and world leaders.

With a bit of extra planning and monitoring, diabetes should not prevent people from enjoying a fulfilling work, family and social life.

Managing your diabetes

Accepting you have diabetes is the first step.

Choosing to maintain a healthy diet and to exercise regularly is a key to better control.

Monitoring your blood glucose levels. This allows you to make the necessary changes to your diet and activity to keep your level in the normal range.

Attending regular medical check ups and taking medication as prescribed will help keep you well.

You should be able to expect reliable information, medical care and access to education. Most diabetes management is up to you, but we strongly encourage family input into your management plan as they can be a close support.

Remember, the diabetes educators are available to assist.

Monitoring your blood glucose

To effectively control your diabetes it is necessary to regularly monitor your blood glucose as this will help you to determine the balance of factors such as food eaten, exercise activity, medication. Having knowledge of your blood glucose control helps to increase your quality of life.

Monitoring blood glucose is not complicated it is something that can usually be fitted in regular activities as part of your routine. The frequency of testing and your target blood glucose range will be decided through your discussions with the diabetes educator or doctor. The frequency and range will often depend on factors such as your age and the method of treatment, ie diet, tablets, insulin.

What is good glucose control?

Blood glucose target	Ideal control	Good control	Fair Control	Poor control
Pre meal	3.5 - 6	6 - 7	7 - 10	Over 10
2 hours post meal	4 - 8	8 - 11	11 - 14	Over 14
3 monthly blood test (HbA1c)	Under 7%	7 � 7.9%	8 � 9%	Over 9%

Acknowledgement:

Clarence Diabetes Centre, Introductory information pack.

Diabetes Australia. Diabetes and you, an owner's manual.