Newly Diagnosed

Being newly diagnosed with diabetes can be confusing and overwhelming with all the new things you have to learn and understand.

This page provides a synopsis of the most important information and answers to commonly asked questions.

What is Diabetes?

Find out about Diabetes: the terminology, symptoms, diagnosis and goals of treatment. Learn how the body keeps the blood glucose in balance.

Types of DiabetesPeople smiling

There are many types of Diabetes. Learn more about your type of Diabetes or look at the classification table to see a comprehensive list.

Causes of Diabeteshelix

Read more about how different types of Diabetes develop: what are the risk factors, what is the process that leads to Diabetes.

Treatment for Type 1 Diabetesadmimistering a shot with syringe

Insulin given by injection is the central treatment for Type 1 Diabetes. There are fast-acting and long-acting insulin formulations. It is important to understand when to use these different formulations and the concepts behind choosing the right insulin dose. There is one other injected medication for Type 1 Diabetes, Symlin, that may be given in addition to insulin.

Treatment for Type 2 Diabetesbottles with pills coming out

The treatment for Type 2 Diabetes may be a simple as lifestyle changes (diet, exercise and weight management) with one or two pills to many different pills and/or insulin or other injected medications. Your medical team will help you decide the best choices for you.

Find out if the treatment is workingblood sample drop of blood on strip

Blood glucose monitoring lets you know if the treatment plan is working and if you are achieving the goals of therapy. Keeping a logbook helps everyone review and assess the results.

Diet and Nutrition
nutrition pyramid

Eating a healthy and balanced diet is another important part of living with Diabetes. The first thing you need to understand is which foods have sugar and starch (carbohydrates).
  • Basic nutrition
  • What is a carbohydrate?
  • Quick carbohydrate counting
woman with migraine

Managing blood glucose

When your blood glucose is too high or too low, you need to understand the symptoms and what to do. Some situations require urgent medical attention. Here's how to manage your blood glucose.

When your blood glucose is not controlled…child with arms around father

Read about common reasons for your blood glucose to be out of balance.

​Practical tipshealthy couple

Everyday tips for how to live safely with Diabetes:
  • Medical Alert
  • What to carry with you
  • When to check ketones
  • Assembling your Medical Team
  • Prescriptions
  • Sick Days
  • Traveling
  • Driving and Diabetes
  • Avoid common mistakes (when you are taking insulin)

Diabetes FAQs

Everyone who has just been diagnosed with Diabetes has some questions.