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NOTE: Recently, I found out I was diagnosed with LADA – Latent Autoimmune Diabetes In Adults, which is a slow-progressing form of Type 1 diabetes. You can read about my new diagnosis here. This blog post is still full of great advice to cope.
When I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, my doctor literally told me “Here’s 4 medications, read the bottles, take them, exercise (here’s an app), eat differently, and I’ll see you in three months.”
I went home and cried that first day because I didn’t know what it meant or what to do.
I thought that I ruined my life, and I didn’t know where to start or who to turn to.
I didn’t know what resources to visit either. No one was talking about their type 2 diabetes, and I just felt lost, alone and frankly depressed by the whole thing.
That’s because my whole life I’ve been trying to fix my body.
I went on diet, after diet, spent hours and hours in the gym, logged every meal, tracked every macro and still, my body was in revolt. It felt like such a dark time.
As soon as I got to a laptop after leaving the doctor’s office, I googled “what to do when you’re first diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.”
There was little advice that felt like it applied to me and I was inspired to write about the things that helped me get through the days and months ahead. That’s where this blog started.
There is lots of hope, and here’s what you can do when you’re first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

First thing is first – being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is not your fault.
Hearing the words from your doctor that you have diabetes is not an easy moment to swallow.
What your doctor likely won’t tell you, is it’s not all your fault.
Some of this condition is dependent on lifestyle factors. If you lose weight, you can control your blood glucose. If you exercise, you’ll better manage your blood sugar.
Type 2 diabetes also happens because of genetics. Every body is different, and you didn’t choose this.
Something that I had to recognize was that I already had PCOS before I got my diabetes diagnosis, that played a big part in learning about my insulin resistance.
A lot of what I thought was my fault, was just me having to learn more about my body.
My body has some issues, and I’m not at fault for that. You are not at fault.
Next, you need to ask questions.
I can’t say this in a nicer way, but this is going to change your life, and being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes is going to shake up your world.
If you have a question for your doctor, don’t be afraid to ask it. Some of the questions I asked were:
- What does having Type 2 Diabetes mean?
- Is Type 2 Diabetes reversible, or am I stuck with it forever?
- How will I know if my blood sugar is getting better?
- Why do I need to come back to the doctor every three months?
- How many times a day should I test my blood sugar?
- Can you refer me to see any specialists like a Dietician, A Diabetes Educator or an Endocrinologist?
- Is there a special diet that I should follow?
- Are there any immediate complications of diabetes that I should be aware of?
- What do I do if I’m having a high, or low blood sugar. How do I treat it?
It’s so important to ask questions, and no question is a dumb one. Educating yourself is the best way to keep anxiety from creeping in.
When you know exactly what your body is doing, you can make good decisions about how to move forward.
Then, see a specialist.
If your doctor will refer you, I would encourage you to see a specialist. A few actually.
A dietician is going to help you evaluate what you eat, and measure that up against your blood sugar.
A diabetes educator is going to teach you the ins and outs of checking your blood sugar, logging your outcomes, and give you the tools to live day-to-day.
An endocrinologist (Endo) is going to help you make sure you’re getting the right doses of insulin and it’s actually working in your body.
Depending on your needs, any of these specialists can be helpful.
I found it to be a very comforting experience to see different specialists because they individually helped me work through areas I was struggling in.
I love my primary care doctor, but the most they’ve been able to do for me is prescribe medication and monitor my results.
The specialists were helpful for additional education, and they also had a thorough understanding of what I needed help with and answers to.
Lean on your friends and family.
It’s one of the hardest things in the world to tell your friends and family that you’ve been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.
When you say the words, just know that if they haven’t dealt with it before, they’re going to need some education and understanding.
Diabetes is so misunderstood, I believe that people with Type 2 Diabetes know that better than anyone.
This is a moment you can use to educate yourself even more.
Learn how to explain your chronic illness to others so that you’re well-prepared to answer questions as they come.
I promise you, you’ll get some crazy questions and remarks coming your way.
Your family and friends will also come to your rescue when you need it.
There have been so many times where I’ve cried to my husband out of frustration or showed my mom my blood sugar logs when things are going well.
My in-laws are also so sweet to make and make sure at every party there’s something that I can enjoy.
Your circle is one of the most important parts of this life. They will give you strength.
Find people in the community who understand you.
Some of the biggest places I found solace in upon my diagnosis were Twitter and Instagram.
Though the Type 1 diabetes community is very large, there’s a percentage of people opening up about their journey and struggles with Type 2 Diabetes.
One of my favorite chats, DSMA was so helpful in accepting my diagnosis. I was a long-time lurker before I jumped in, and everyone there has been so welcoming and open.
There are also forums all over the internet that help. Diabetes Daily and Diabetes Connect are just two of the countless places you can search through.
Take small steps to change your habits.
Find a routine that you like. Maybe it’s yoga, or walking, or running, or weightlifting. Whatever you do, do it consistently, and set the time aside for it.
Working out is going to relieve stress and help you balance your blood sugar.
Start Meal Prepping. Maybe you do a couple of days at a time just to make things a little easier for yourself. Find some great recipes you love and keep experimenting in the kitchen.
Keep logging and monitoring your blood glucose every day. Don’t get discouraged when you have off-days, It will happen, but it’s okay.
They’re things that you can learn from. Get back to your routine immediately, and keep on going. You will learn to balance.
It’s also important to note that the changes to your habits have to be sustainable, or you’re not going to want to keep them up. Small changes each day really make the difference.
Write down your feelings.
If you’re crazy like me, you can start a blog, or if you want to make things more simple, keep a journal and write down how you felt before you go to bed.
It will help you sort out your feelings and it’s something you can certainly go back to when you want to figure out why some days are good, and some days aren’t.
I love my little diary and it helps so much with reflection.
You don’t have to be ashamed about being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
This is probably going to be one of the hardest things that ever happens to you in your life, but I promise you don’t have to be ashamed.
You have people to lean on.
You have the inner strength to take this day by day.
You are going to make it through this.
Type 2 Diabetes is a serious illness, but there is help, and there are resources.
I hope what you read here is helpful. These are all of the things I wish I knew when I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

26 Responses
Thanks for sharing and explaining diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The most prevalent kind of diabetes, type 2, is brought on by high blood glucose levels, generally known as blood sugar.
I’m sobbing as I read this…. it’s exactly what I am/was going through. I have met with a dietician and a diabetic nurse/educator. They have been a breath of fresh air and have made me feel like I’m on a more solid ground, whereas before, I felt my world crumbling underneath my feet. Thank you for being real… for keeping it real… and putting it out there for those of us who just heard the doctor say, “you’ve got Type 2 diabetes”.
Wow! You are such an inspiration! I’ve also found something that helped me!
Thanks for this post it is really informative and yes I enjoying every part of it while reading keep posting like this would be helpful for individuals who are suffering with the same .
I found your blog through a pin I clicked on Pinterest. I have only read the above page and I could honestly cry right now. I was just diagnosed and the fact that someone gets how I’m feeling is the biggest relief. Thank you for speaking out and sharing your own thoughts. I don’t feel so alone.
It is really useful blog
Nice article
Hello, very nice article! I imagine what it must be like to be diagnosed with diabetes, it’s not easy. My two grandmothers were diagnosed in addition to hypertension. I was able to observe how painful the medication was and it was also difficult to know how to adapt the diet. They had to deprive themselves of certain meals … It’s really important to talk about it and to be able to find articles and documentation which talkes about it openly and which gives advices and relates experiences on how to treat, or even cure diabetes through diet.
Hi Hangrywoman!
I am 43 and I was recently diagnosed with T2D. I was shocked and lost since I’m already suffering from an irregular heartbeat and enlarged prostate. Due to the pandemic, I lost my job and I’m using my savings for the doctor’s fee, lab test, medicine and glucometer set. I am from the Philippines and the health support is almost non-existent so I am forced to pay out of pocket for everything… but I am not willing to give up since I don’t want to pass away before my parents and make them sad. I am also currently taking care of my 2 year old niece and I want to see her have a family of her own and live a happy and healthy life. Your blog gave me extra strength to fight this battle, and for that, I appreciate you and I thank you very much. Let’s all fight this together and be strong not just for ourselves but for everyone around us as well. Have a long and meaningful life ahead everyone.
I was diagnosed with Type 2 in December 2020. Was kind of shock/numb when told at first. Also did the why, how. I have other health issues as well. Have been a heart patient since 2004. Massive heart attach in 2004 and then heart bypass in 2019. Having the diabetes seems foreign to me. I do not know what to make of it. Eating , exercise, daily living. I have not been put on meds yet I have been given until April 8 to have my cholesterol and glucose numbers in check through diet and exercise first. Feel sort of lost right now. Any ideas, support, suggestions would be a help.
nice written article on type-2 diabetes, keep sharing this kind of article.
Well written and Very informative post. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Thank you so much – I received my diagnosis this week, and have been going through a lot of the feelings you’ve described here. Finding your blog has been a real comfort!
Thank you for writing this! Sometimes we just need the basics.
I love hangrywoman! I read this blog daily and recommend it to all my friends living with diabetes.
Hangry Woman is the BEST diabetes community anywhere. I read these blogs almost every day.
Recently Diagnosed and just found this blog… THANK YOU !! I’ve read many helpful tips and love your attitude towards being more self aware and getting the right info and questions asked and answered ! VERY helpful and LOVE the recipes! Will be visiting this page constantly lol ! Thanks again !
I’m so happy to hear that my blog has helped in any way. It’s totally why I do it! Welcome to the hangry club :). I’m glad I’ll see you around!
Thank you so much for this blog , I have type 2 and this was helpful!
Thank you and I admire you to have the courage the talk about this. This was a very meaningful post for me.
It is great to see posts like this that serve as helpful resources to those with type 2 diabetes!
I just being told by my doctor that i have diabetes after my blood test. I felt lost when i came home. Cried on my bed and search all over the net about diabetes. Type 2 diabetes. I have hypertension too. And it leads on to having more risk type 2 diabetes. Till now, about 2 weeks and i experience serious side effects. I feel like the whole world is falling.
Wow this is so well written and so informative, I know family members with diabetes who see it as the end so this is a great reminder to keep pushing and trying to do better
This was extremely informative and honest. Very nice read and will be so helpful for those that need it.
This is so helpful to those who are diagnosed! It’s something that I can share with friends to be helpful too. Thanks!
I love that you suggested seeing a dietitian. A lot of people don’t realize how helpful they are!