If you have received a recent diagnosis of diabetes, learning to live with your condition may seem impossible. Your doctor is probably encouraging several lifestyle changes. You might have to remember to start taking a daily medication and adjust your diet. And you may even worry about possible health complications. Those who have been living with diabetes for years will assure you: it won’t always be this difficult. Your routine will change, but soon this lifestyle will come naturally to you, and you’ll learn the preventative measures to keep your condition under control.

Reshaping Your Priorities
As a diabetic, you will likely need to shift around your daily schedule and priorities to accommodate your new medical needs. You might need to adapt to a medication schedule, or you may need to set aside time each day to monitor your glucose levels. If you are used to eating spontaneously on the go, or skipping meals when you’re pressed for time, you will also need to learn how to schedule your day with regular meal and snack times included. Daily moderate exercise should be another addition to your new schedule.

Handling Diabetes at Work or School
Whether you are a student or an employee, you probably have co-workers, bosses, or teachers who will need to adjust to your new medical needs with you. The American Diabetes Association provides assurance that anti-discrimination laws exist to protect you against institutions that might try to withhold the reasonable accommodations you need to stay healthy at work or school. It is important to stand up for yourself if you feel discrimination is taking place. Diabetes should never hold you back from the education or opportunities you deserve.

November is American Diabetes Month, so this is a good time to get educated. To learn more managing diabetes, contact Plantation General Hospital’s free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-866-442-2362. You may also benefit from our Diabetes Support Group, which meets the first Tuesday of each month. Just call 1-888-256-7724 for more information. We’ll make sure you don’t have to tackle diabetes on your own.

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