Your husband was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes you know nothing what should you do?

Answer 1

The number of Type 2 (adult onset) Diabetes affected persons, unfortunately, are growing. But, more and more research is done, and we know increasingly more about this disease. We are able to get more information as it was possible just a few years ago. So, probably the best start is to get as much information as possible to help you both, to understand the nature of Diabetes, what are your options, what the medical profession could do for you, and how you both can cooperate with them, and help yourself.

1. Speaking to your doctor is essential.

Once I heard a remark, "diabetes is like pregnancy, you can't be just a little bit pregnant". So, diabetes needs to be managed. Badly managed diates could lead to complications that can be serious or even life threatening. Constant high blood sugar can seriously damage organs, impare your body's functions. Having tests which give your doctor a better evaluation of your diabetes (like glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity test), is also important. Some research indicates that thyroid hormone test could also be useful.

2. Speaking to a dietitian is important.

If the blood sugar is just slightly raised, lifestyle and diet changes can keep it in the normal ranges, often without medication. Diet and lifestyle changes is the best policy for diabetics. Newly diagnosed diabetics are often worried about what they can "safely" consume. That should not be so frightening; what is advised for diabetics, actually, is very healthy to anyone. It basically is a normal, healthy eating habit. And EXERCISE ! That is also very important for all of us, but more so for the management of blood sugar.

3. Joining a diabetic group.

Being with persons who have the same problems is extremely helpful. It gives you a feeling that you are not alone in that situation. You can share your thoughts, fears, hopes, experiences, and can learn a lot from each other.

4. Getting as much info as possible.

Diabetic Society is the best place to turn to for reliable information. It is sensible to get informations from reliable places. Your second cousin's friend's niece might not be the best source! internet sources might not always be the best either, because we are individuals, even in illness, one thing might help one person, but might harm another. Beware of unreasonal promisses, desperation often drives even the smartest persons into believeing what they WANT to believe! If you can get some information that sounds helpful, please, always ask a health professional before you apply it! Even if it helps, it still could interact with your present medications.

5. Supportive family members.

The support of the family can make a huge difference. Not only the diabetics themselves but all the family is effected by the disease. Family members, spouses usually the most, are physically, emotionally challenged by the disease, and while dealing with these challanges, the diabetic patents rely on them. There are groups for supportive family members, too. It might be a good idea to find and join one.