Just Diagnosed With Diabetes: A Guide

If you’ve just been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s okay to feel unsure about what comes next. The good news is that you’re not alone. With the right tools, healthy habits, and a strong support system, you can take control of your health and live a full, happy life.

What is Diabetes?

Understanding your new diabetes diagnosis might feel intimidating at first. However, the more you understand what’s happening in your body, the easier it can be to manage it with confidence.

Diabetes happens when your body has trouble using or making insulin—the hormone that helps move sugar (glucose) from your blood into your cells for energy. When this process doesn’t work properly, sugar builds up in your bloodstream, which can lead to complications over time.

(Table data sourced from Mayo Clinic)

What are the Types of Diabetes?

There are several types of diabetes, and each affects your body in different ways:

• Type 1 diabetes is where the pancreas does not make any insulin. It’s often diagnosed in children or young adults.
• Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It’s often linked to genetics, excess weight, or inactivity.
• Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and usually goes away after giving birth, though it can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes later.
• Other types of diabetes include type 1.5, a slow-developing autoimmune form of diabetes, and type 3C, linked to pancreatic conditions. (Cleveland Clinic)

No matter the type, understanding what’s happening in your body may help you make decisions that support your long-term health.

What Causes Diabetes?

The cause of diabetes depends on the type: †

• Type 1 diabetes develops when the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
• Type 2 diabetes develops gradually when your body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t make enough of it.
• Gestational diabetes happens because of hormone changes during pregnancy that affect how your body uses insulin.

First Steps After Diabetes Diagnosis

Having a new diabetes diagnosis may feel overwhelming, but taking small, clear steps could help you adjust. Here’s how to start.

• Build your care team: Your doctor, diabetes educator, and pharmacist are all part of your support network. They can answer questions, guide your treatment, and help you feel confident about managing your health. If you have questions about diabetes supplies, contact US MED to speak with a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist.
• Learn to check your blood sugar and keep a log: Blood sugar readings show how food, activity, and stress affect your glucose levels, giving you useful insight to guide your daily choices.
• Understand your medicines: Even if you feel well, taking your prescriptions is important. Ask your doctor or pharmacist when and how to take them so your treatment can be most effective.
• Join a diabetes education program: Programs like Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) teach skills to help you manage diabetes confidently and make daily life easier.

Remember, you don’t need to tackle everything at once. Give yourself time to get into your rhythm.

Recognizing Diabetes Symptoms

Diabetes symptoms can develop slowly, so it’s important to know what to watch for. Common signs include:

• Feeling very thirsty or hungry
• Frequent urination
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue or low energy
• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
• Slow-healing cuts or infections ‡‡

If your blood sugar goes too high or too low, you may feel dizzy, confused, or shaky. These are signs your body needs attention right away.*

Managing and Preventing Complications

Keeping your blood sugar in range helps protect your heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. High blood sugar over time can make it harder for your blood to flow, cause slower healing, and increase your risk of infections.

Short-term diabetes complications include:

• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia): You may feel tired, thirsty, or have blurry vision.§
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): You may feel shaky, sweaty, or dizzy. Treat it right away with juice, glucose tablets, or another quick source of sugar. ‡
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): When your body burns fat instead of sugar for energy and leads to a dangerous buildup of acids (ketones). It can cause nausea, vomiting, and fruity-smelling breath and requires immediate medical attention.¶

Long-term diabetes complications can include:#

• Nerve damage
• Vision changes
• Kidney problems
• Heart disease

The best way to help prevent diabetes complications is by monitoring your glucose, building healthy habits, and following your care plan.**

Healthy Habits That Make a Difference

When you’re just diagnosed with diabetes, simple changes and decisions may not seem helpful, but they could make a big difference over time. Here are a few ways to help prevent complications and give you more energy and balance in your life.

• Eat balanced meals: Fill half your plate with vegetables, a quarter with lean protein, and a quarter with whole grains or healthy carbs. Try to limit sugary drinks and processed foods, as they can make it harder to manage your blood sugar. (IDF)
• Be active: Aim for at least 30 minutes of movement every day. Exercise may improve blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes, support heart health, contribute to weight loss, and improve overall well-being.
• Get enough sleep: Most adults need 7–9 hours of sleep each night. Poor sleep affects how your body processes glucose and increases insulin levels.
• Manage stress: Try deep breathing, journaling, or gentle stretching to help you relax when you feel stressed. Not only does stress raise cortisol levels, it also impacts metabolic function. (PMC)

Remember, consistency matters more than perfection. Steady progress creates lasting change and supports a more balanced and energized life.

Helpful Diabetes Tools

Having the right tools when you’re testing your blood sugar, planning meals, or remembering your medications may make your daily routine more manageable. A blood glucose meter, continuous glucose monitor, and insulin pump are all diabetes products you may want to consider.

Blood Glucose Meter

A blood glucose meter is a small device that measures your blood sugar using a test strip with a drop of blood, usually from your fingertip. It’s most often used before meals, after meals, and at bedtime to see how your lifestyle choices affect your glucose levels.

Follow the instructions included with your blood glucose meter for use. Your meter will show your reading in seconds, helping you and your healthcare team spot blood sugar patterns over time.

Lancets

Lancets are small, sterile needles used to prick your finger for blood glucose testing. They’re typically used with a lancing device, which is a spring-loaded tool that helps make the fingerstick quick.

To use a lancet, follow the instructions included with your device. Only use a lancet once and discard after use to keep your testing routine clean and comfortable.

Test Strips

Test strips work with glucose meters for fingerstick checks. Each test strip reacts with your blood to give an accurate reading.

You need to use a new strip each time you check your glucose levels to keep readings accurate. Keep this in mind if you decide to go with a blood glucose meter instead of a CGM.

Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)

A CGM tracks your blood sugar continuously through a small sensor worn on your body. The sensor inserts a thin filament into the skin and sends real-time glucose readings to your phone or receiver, alerting you if your glucose goes too high or low.

CGMs are especially helpful for checking your postprandial blood sugar (blood sugar after meals) or when using insulin. Simply apply the sensor, connect it to your reader or app, and it tracks your glucose automatically. Most models don’t require fingersticks, though you may still need them occasionally if readings seem off.

Insulin Pump

An insulin pump is a small, computerized device that may help keep blood sugar levels stable. Instead of multiple daily injections, the pump provides continuous insulin delivery through a thin tube placed under the skin or via a patch-style pod worn on the body.

Your healthcare provider may recommend an insulin pump as part of your diabetes management plan—especially if you need tighter glucose control or want more flexibility in your routine. To use, follow the instructions included with your device and program your prescribed insulin doses.

Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) System

An Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) system combines an insulin pump and CGM to automatically adjust insulin doses based on your real-time glucose levels. These systems may help keep blood sugar in range with less manual tracking and fewer highs and lows.

AID systems are recommended for people who want more freedom and precision in managing their diabetes. Once set up, the CGM sends glucose data to the pump, which uses an algorithm to decide when to increase, decrease, or pause insulin delivery. You’ll still enter mealtime carbs and occasionally check your glucose, but the system handles much of the day-to-day balancing for you. A great example of an AID system would be the Insulet Omnipod 5 insulin pump and Dexcom G7 CGM. Talk with your physician to see which AID system will work for you.

Medication Reminders and Apps

Taking your insulin on schedule may help with keeping your blood sugar in range. Set alarms on your phone, use a smart pillbox, or try a diabetes app that connects your glucose data with your workout and meal schedule.

Meal Planning Tools and Tracking Apps

Planning meals ahead of time may help prevent blood sugar spikes. Meal planning tools, mobile apps like MyPlate, or even a simple food journal can help you keep track of what you eat and how it affects your glucose levels.

Staying Motivated

Managing diabetes is all about showing up for yourself one day at a time. Some days will feel easy, and others might feel like a challenge. What matters most is staying consistent and giving yourself grace along the way.

Here are a few ways to stay encouraged:

• Celebrate small wins: Every healthy meal, walk, or good blood sugar reading is progress worth noticing.
• Reach out for support: Talk with your care team, join a support group, or lean on friends and family when things feel tough.
• Set simple goals: Start with attainable goals, like adding one new vegetable to your meals or walking for 10 minutes after dinner. Small wins build momentum.
• Remember your “why”: Maybe it’s your family, your energy, or simply wanting to feel your best—your reason will help keep you going.

Remember that it takes time and patience to find your rhythm. Soon, managing your diabetes will become a natural part of your everyday life.

The Bottom Line

When you’re just diagnosed with diabetes, it’s normal to feel unsure about what to do next. The good news is that you don’t have to figure everything out at once. Start by building your care team, adopting simple healthy choices, and finding the right tools to make it easier to stay on track.

A blood glucose meter or CGM may help you notice blood sugar changes throughout the day, and apps and reminders can help you track meals and medications. If you are prescribed insulin, consider an insulin pump or AID system to help take care of some of the work for you.

How US MED Can Help

US MED simplifies getting the supplies and support you need. From your first order to each order thereafter, we’re here to help you stay prepared, informed, and focused on feeling your best.

US MED is one of the most trusted suppliers of diabetes tools. Here are some of the ways we can help:

• Quick diabetes products delivered straight to your door
• Best-selling CGM brands
• Easy reordering online or by phone
• Assistance with insurance or Medicare coordination
• Knowledgeable, caring team ready to answer questions

With trusted supplies and caring support from US MED, managing your health may feel simpler and more empowering. Whether you’re newly diagnosed with diabetes or continuing your journey, we’re here to make daily management easier with reliable products, fast delivery, and a team that truly cares about your success. From continuous glucose monitors to insulin pumps and testing supplies, US MED is here to help every step of the way.

FAQS When Just Diagnosed With Diabetes

What are the different types of diabetes?

Diabetes can take several forms, each affecting your body in its own way and often appearing at different times in life.

Type 1 diabetes is when the body can’t make insulin, so daily insulin is needed. It is usually diagnosed in children or teens.

Type 1.5 diabetes or Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) is a slower-progressing form of type 1 diabetes that develops in adulthood. People may still produce insulin at first but may require insulin over time. (Cleveland Clinic)

Type 2 diabetes is when the body makes insulin but doesn’t use it effectively, so lifestyle changes, medications, or insulin may be needed. It often develops in adults.

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually goes away after giving birth but may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes later.

Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be considered diabetes. If you have prediabetes, you can lower your risk for developing type 2 diabetes with weight loss and regular physical activity.

Is type 2 diabetes genetic?

Genetics may play a role in developing type 2 diabetes. If it runs in your family, you may have a higher risk, but lifestyle choices like healthy eating and staying active may help manage or reduce that risk. ††

Does type 2 diabetes require insulin?

Type 2 diabetes does not necessarily require insulin. Many people with type 2 diabetes start with lifestyle changes, oral medications, or non-insulin injectables. Insulin may be used if blood sugar stays high or other treatments aren’t enough. §§

Is type 2 diabetes reversible?

Type 2 diabetes is a disease you must manage for the rest of your life. There’s no cure for Type 2 diabetes, but you can manage it with lifestyle changes, weight loss, blood sugar monitoring, and medications to keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range. In some cases, major lifestyle changes and weight loss helped some people reach remission, meaning returning to a non-diabetes blood sugar range. However, even in remission, regular checkups and healthy habits are always important to keep your blood sugar levels stable. ¶¶

What is an A1C lab test?

The A1C test shows your average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months. †††

• Below 5.7% is normal
• 5.7–6.4% signals prediabetes
• 6.5% or higher is considered diabetes

Testing your A1C regularly helps you see if your treatment plan is working.

How do I manage my diabetes?

Managing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes involves a combination of lifestyle changes like healthy eating and exercise, medications, regular blood sugar monitoring, and support.

How should I eat and time my meals with diabetes?

Try to eat around the same time each day. This makes it easier to set insulin reminders, track glucose patterns, and manage your energy.

References 

† https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7104-diabetes

* https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371444

‡ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-hypoglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20371525

§ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9815-hyperglycemia-high-blood-sugar

¶ https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/about/diabetic-ketoacidosis.html

# https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/diabetes/diabetes-complications-and-risks

‡‡ https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/warning-signs-symptoms

** https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000327.htm

†† https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3746083/

§§ https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2024.1366368/full

¶¶ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6520897/

††† https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/a1c-test