Newly Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes

1.4 million people will be diagnosed with diabetes this year. We make sure that’s not the end of the story.

Senior patient discussing type 2 diabetes with doctor

What can I do about it?

Finding out you have diabetes can be overwhelming and confusing. If you’re newly diagnosed with diabetes, it’s natural to wonder, “What now?” Understanding your diagnosis is the first step toward managing it effectively.

Well, the good news is you have a community to fall back on. You don’t have to maneuver this by yourself. You have the support of countless others who have felt the same shock. Your diagnosis is simply the first step. There are ways you can manage your diabetes—through healthy eating, physical activity, medical guidance, and emotional support. Dig in. Take action. And know that we have everything you need to help you live a long, healthy life surrounded by people who know exactly what you’re going through.

Seek Support Close to Home

What is type 2 diabetes?

Diabetes causes blood glucose (blood sugar) levels to rise higher than normal. When you eat, your body breaks down food into glucose and sends it into the blood. Insulin helps move glucose from your blood into your cells for energy. In type 2 diabetes, your body does not use insulin properly. This causes glucose to build up in your blood and results in high blood glucose levels. 

Learn More About Type 2
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Monitoring

Monitoring your blood glucose is important. You can use the results to make decisions about food and physical activity. These decisions can help you feel better day-to-day and delay or prevent diabetes complications. There are many blood glucose meters and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) you can use to monitor your blood glucose to help you reach your goals.

Devices and Technology
Senior woman checking her blood glucose level

What else should I know?

Educating yourself on what factors can influence your diabetes management helps.

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Coping with Diabetes

Having type 2 diabetes can be stressful. But with the right approach to treatment, you can live a long and healthy life.

Learn Coping Skills
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Healthy Eating

New eating plans can feel restrictive, and there isn’t one plan that works for everyone. Your eating plan should be created to meet your needs and help you reach your health goals.

Learn How to Eat Healthy Get Recipes
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Physical Activity

Part of living a full and healthy life with diabetes is getting physical activity. No matter what you do or how you approach it, any type of physical activity helps you manage your blood glucose.

Get Moving
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Medications

Medication is an important part of managing type 2 diabetes. Medications for type 2 diabetes include both oral and injectable medications.

Get a Handle on Medications for Type 2
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Complications

The two goals of diabetes treatment are to make sure you feel well day-to-day and to prevent or delay long-term health issues.

Learn to Prevent or Delay Complications

Contact the Center for Information

Life with diabetes is hard, but you aren't facing it alone. We are here by your side, ready to answer your questions. Call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383) to speak to an information specialist. Learn more about the center for information.

Find Out More

This resource was made possible in part through the generous support of the GNC Live Well Foundation.