Newly diagnosed
2018-12-13
If you are here at “First 30 Days” it most likely means you or someone you know and probably love, has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Let us be the first to say, “We’re sorry,” but we are glad you have found your way here.
On this page you’ll find the following:
- The Basic Basics – what you need to know now
- The Next Layer – information for beyond the initial diagnosis
- Teaching type 2 to others – guides for anyone who needs to be in the know
- Personal stories – written about diagnosis plus additional support
The Basic Basics
A diabetes diagnosis is overwhelming—some say like swimming with sharks. These Basic Basics are just that—the basics you need in the first few days of adjusting. There’s always more in-depth information available, but for now, here are our selections for getting out of the hospital or doctor’s office.


Just Diagnosed with Diabetes? Why and How to Find Mental Health Support
Just diagnosed with diabetes? No matter how you're feeling right now, you deserve help; here's how to find it.MORE

How Often Should You Check Your Blood Sugar?
The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American Diabetes Association and recommend the following:MORE

What is Type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body cannot properly use insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. This is also known as insulin resistance. MORE

How to check blood sugar
Regular blood sugar monitoring is the most important thing you can do to manage type 2 diabetes. You’ll be able to see what makes your numbers go up or down, such as eating different foods, taking ...MORE

Understanding Your A1C
The A1C is a blood test that helps determine if your diabetes management plan is working well. It’s done every 2-3 months to find out what your average blood sugar has been.MORE

Exercise Basics
Managing type 2 diabetes while exercising is unique to the individual and depends on many variables including the activity, health needs, length and duration of the training, upcoming competitions, et...MORE

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the way the body metabolizes glucose. Those with T2D are finding that their body either resists the effects of the insulin they are producing or that ...MORE

Diabetes ABCs
Type 2 diabetes management can be overwhelming, but understanding the basics of which numbers to pay attention can simplify it. The three numbers you should know are A1C, Blood pressure, and Cholester...MORE

Type 2 Diabetes: Where Do I Start?
You’ve just been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and if we’re being honest, you’re probably nervous about the lifestyle changes you will have to make and don’t know where to begin. The good new...MORE

All about Metformin
Metformin belongs to the family of Biguanides which are the drugs that increase insulin sensitivity and therefore have a beneficial effect in blood glucose management, particularly in insulin resistan...MORE

Learning About Blood Glucose Levels
Different studies and publications indicate that the appearance of complications will depend on monitoring blood sugars. To delay complications, it's vital that we work to maintain adequate blood...MORE

Diabetes Myths Debunked
We're debunking the most frequent myths that we hear in the diabetes community. MORE

Smoking and Type 2 Diabetes
Learn all about how smoking increases the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes and diabetes complications. If you smoke, we provide tips on how to quit.MORE

How to Stay Consistent with Diabetes Management
Managing diabetes is easier when you have a routine you can stick to. Learn how to stay consistent with diabetes management.MORE

Saving on Diabetes Supplies
If you need to get some diabetes supplies immediately, learn how you can get them over-the-counter and save money.MORE

10 Ways to Identify False Advertising
It's easy to be misled about the accuracy of products to treat Type 2 diabetes. Here are 10 ways to identify false advertising on products that claim to treat Type 2 diabetes and related health c...MORE

Ask a DCES: Why Was I Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes or Prediabetes?
Wonder why you were diagnosed with T2D or Prediabetes? Diabetes care and education specialist, Jodi Lavin-Tompkins gives you a couple of reasons why. MORE

Sulli the Diabetes Guru: Your Diabetes Voice Assistant
Newly diagnosed with diabetes? Meet Sulli the Diabetes Guru, your free on-demand voice assistant who can help you with the basics of adjusting to life with Type 2 diabetes. Learn more about Sulli in t...MORE

All About Sulfonylureas (SFUs)
The first oral medications that, in addition to metformin, have been widely used for diabetes management were sulfonylureas, also known as (SFUs). Let's talk about them.. MORE

Ask a DCES: How Can I Feel More Comfortable at the Doctor’s Office?
Going to the doctor's office can be intimidating. Diabetes care and education specialist, Jodi Lavin-Tompkins, gives you tips on easing anxiety at your next visit.MORE

Ask a DCES: What Can I Eat?
Being newly diagnosed with T2D can bring so many questions, particularly, "what can I eat?" Jodi explains how to approach food with diabetes.MORE

All About SGLT-2s
SGLT-2 Inhibitors are one of the treatment options to manage Type 2 diabetes. Learn the brand names, benefits, and side effects to taking this drug. MORE

How to Get the Best Use Out of Your Test Strips
Limited number of test strips per month? Read our tips on how to get the best use + data of out of them. MORE

Just Diagnosed with Diabetes? Here’s Who You Need on Your Team
Just diagnosed with diabetes or feel like you need more support with an existing diagnosis? Remember - you don't have to do this alone.MORE

The Rise of Prediabetes Diagnoses
There has been an increase in the number of people diagnosed with prediabetes. We spoke with Dr. Mayer B. Davidson to learn why.MORE

How To Help Me With A Low Blood Sugar
Use this easy printable guide to teach everyone you know how to help with a severe low blood sugar.MOREThe Next Layer►
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