High glucose levels in people with diabetes linked to tripling of eye disease risk

From ucl.ac.uk/news

Older people with diabetes who do not keep blood sugar levels low are three times more likely to develop eye disease compared to counterparts who have reduced blood sugar levels, suggests a new study by a UCL team.

The study, published in the journal BMJ Open, looked at survey data for 5,600 people aged 52 and over in England across 14 years.

The researchers found that people with “uncontrolled” diabetes – that is, whose blood sugar levels were high at the start of the study – had a 31% chance of developing diabetic eye disease over 14 years.

In contrast, people diagnosed with diabetes whose blood sugar levels were found to be within a “normal” range at the study’s start had a 9% chance of developing the disease over the same time.

The group with diabetes who had high blood sugar levels (above 6.5% on a HbA1c test, which reflects blood sugar levels over two months) were also more likely to develop two other eye diseases, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

In addition, people who had undiagnosed diabetes had a higher risk of developing eye disease than those who had had a diagnosis but had reduced their blood sugar levels.

Specifically, people with undiagnosed diabetes were 38% more likely to develop macular degeneration over the 14 years than those with controlled diabetes. They were also 23% more likely to develop diabetic eye disease.

Co-author Dr Stephen Jivraj, of the UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, said: “The number of older people with diabetes in England is expected to increase rapidly in coming years. In the 2000s, the proportion of working-age people with a diabetes diagnosis more than doubled, from 2.8% to 6.8%.

“These findings show how important it is that people with diabetes are diagnosed and are supported in managing the condition, as this will reduce their chance of potentially debilitating eye disease.”

First author Caitlin Lin, who is now a PhD candidate at the UCL Global Business School for Health, said: “The study highlights the importance of eye examinations among those in older age, especially those with a diabetes diagnosis. It also supports wider testing for diabetes in the general population, to reduce the number of people who do not realise they have the condition and could therefore be at a higher risk of eye disease than if they had a diagnosis.”

Diabetic eye disease most commonly refers to diabetic retinopathy, where high blood sugar levels damage the retina at the back of the eye. People with diabetes also have an increased risk of glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve connecting the eye to the brain), macular degeneration (where the central part of the retina, the macula, becomes damaged) and cataract (where the lens in your eye becomes cloudy).

However, some researchers have suggested the link between diabetes and some eye diseases may be due to greater monitoring of the eyes of people with diabetes.

For the new paper, Ms Lin and Dr Jivraj used 14 years of data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), in which a nationally representative population sample in England answers a wide range of questions every two years.

They calculated the odds of developing eye diseases over that time period among different groups (those without diabetes and those with undiagnosed diabetes, uncontrolled diabetes and controlled diabetes), adjusting for other factors that could have skewed the results, such as age, smoking status and levels of physical activity.

Two years after the study’s start, the predicted odds of developing diabetic eye disease were 5% for the diabetes group with lower blood sugar levels and 7% for the diabetes group with higher blood sugar levels. By the end of the study, the odds were 9% and 31% respectively.

The researchers did not find a difference between the groups in the likelihood of developing cataracts.

Among the study’s limitations, the authors noted that the number of people responding to the surveys fell by more than half by the end of the study period, which could potentially bias estimates of the odds of developing eye disease.

Ms Lin worked on the paper as part of her BSc degree in Population Health Sciences with Data Science.

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2025/jul/high-glucose-levels-people-diabetes-linked-tripling-eye-disease-risk 

Type 2: Study finds healthy lifestyle outperforms anti-diabetes drug over time

From indiatvnews.com

Published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology journal and conducted by researchers including those from The University of New Mexico, US, found that adopting a healthier lifestyle is more effective than using the anti-diabetes drug metformin. Read on to know more

New Delhi:

A recent study found that adopting a healthier lifestyle is more effective than using the anti-diabetes drug metformin, with the benefits persisting over 20 years later. The study was published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology journal. Researchers included those from The University of New Mexico, US.

The study was launched in 1996 by the US Diabetes Prevention Program, which enrolled 3,234 patients with prediabetes from 30 institutions across 22 states. The study aimed to compare the benefits of metformin and a lifestyle modification that included exercise and a healthy diet.

The researchers found that making lifestyle changes lowered the development of diabetes by 24 per cent, while the anti-diabetes drug lowered it by 17 per cent.

                                                                                                            Image Source : Canva

The team noted that differences between the two approaches; taking metformin and adopting a healthy lifestyle, were seen in the first few years since the study's start and were durable. After the first three years, lifestyle interventions, such as weight loss and increased physical activity, led to a 58 per cent reduction in the onset of type 2 diabetes, compared to a 31 per cent reduction with metformin.

Vallabh Raj Shah, professor emeritus at The University of New Mexico's School of Medicine, said, "The data suggests that those people who didn't get diabetes also didn't get diabetes after 22 years."

Participants in the lifestyle modification group experienced an additional 3.5 years without diabetes, while those in the metformin group gained an extra 2.5 years.

Shah said, "Within three years (since the study started), they had to stop the study because lifestyle was better than metformin. That means lifestyle, which everybody is banking on, is more effective -- that is the news."

The authors wrote, "During follow-up, compared with placebo, diabetes incidence rate was reduced in the (intensive lifestyle intervention) group (by 24 per cent), and in the original metformin group (by 17 per cent), with corresponding increases in median diabetes-free survival of 3.5 years and 2.5 years."

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

https://www.indiatvnews.com/health/study-finds-healthy-lifestyle-outperforms-anti-diabetes-drug-over-time-2025-07-06-997642

Blood sugar levels after glucose consumption linked to increased lifespan

From diabetes.co.uk/news

Research suggests that even among those with blood glucose levels considered “normal,” certain levels following glucose intake could be associated with significantly lower mortality risk.

A remarkable insight into blood glucose and longevity comes from the long-running Ohasama Study, conducted in a small agricultural community in Japan’s Tohoku region.

For over four decades, researchers have tracked the health of residents in Ohasama, regularly collecting detailed health and medical data.

Participants in this comprehensive study underwent glucose tolerance tests every four years. These tests measure blood sugar levels before and two hours after drinking a glucose-rich drink, commonly used to diagnose diabetes.

A team of researchers, led by Junta Imai and Hideki Katagiri from Tohoku University, analysed data from nearly 1,000 participants and published their findings in the scientific journal PNAS Nexus. The study initially explored how various health measures, including glucose tolerance tests, correlated with life expectancy.

Imai noted that even after accounting for known risk factors such as age, obesity, and smoking, the level of blood glucose one hour after glucose intake remained strongly linked to mortality.

Researchers split participants into two groups based on a median blood glucose threshold of 162 mg/dL (9 mmol/L).

Their analysis revealed that participants whose blood glucose was lower than this threshold one hour after glucose consumption showed significantly better survival rates.

To refine the findings further, the researchers focused on 595 participants who had normal glucose tolerance, establishing that a blood glucose threshold of 170 mg/dL (9.4 mmol/L) after one hour was the most reliable predictor of survival.

Over a 20-year follow-up period, nearly 80% of those with blood glucose below 170 mg/dL (9.4 mmol/L) one hour after glucose intake were still alive, compared to only about 50% of those with higher glucose levels.

This striking difference highlights a substantial health advantage associated with maintaining lower blood sugar levels soon after meals.

Digging deeper into causes of death, the study found that participants whose one-hour post-glucose levels stayed below 170 mg/dL had significantly fewer deaths from heart disease linked to atherosclerosis and fewer cancer-related deaths.

Lead researcher Imai concluded, “Our results show that even within what is considered a normal blood glucose range, some levels are clearly associated with greater longevity. As well as preventing diabetes, it’s important to manage spikes in blood glucose levels after eating to reduce risks of heart disease and cancer. This could help people enjoy longer, healthier lives.”

Read the study here.

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2025/jul/blood-sugar-levels-after-glucose-consumption-linked-to-increased-lifespan.html 

Why You Can Enjoy Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs with Diabetes

From healthline.com/health

People with diabetes can have fun at pools and hot tubs. However, they may need to adjust insulin dosages, keep supplies and medications cool and dry, and closely watch blood sugars to avoid low blood sugars

It’s not all fun and games for people with diabetes when it comes to enjoying swimming pools, sunning at the beach, or relaxing in a hot tub.

Managing blood sugar spikes and dips in the summer heat can be a challenge all on its own. But people with diabetes may also be thinking about emergency treatments for medical emergencies, making sure their devices and supplies are kept at safe temperatures, and any adhesives from insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) sensors don’t fall off due to water, sweat, or moving around in the water.

A little advanced planning and attention in the water can make all the difference in staying on top of diabetes management and ensure you stay safe and healthy.

Using diabetes technology in pools or hot tubs

Before you even dip your toes in the water, you will likely want to start thinking about where your diabetes devices and any supplies you typically use will be kept.

Even if you aren’t at the beach or the pool, it’s important to remember that insulin and sunshine do not get along well.

The ideal temperature for insulin longevity and efficacy is between 36 and 46 degrees, which is generally what refrigerators are set at and how insulin is stored until the first time it’s opened and used.

The hottest temperature insulin can withstand before it starts to break down and stops lowering blood sugar effectively is 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

Note that some glucometers will also stop working if they overheat, flashing an error message if they hit a temperature outside of the acceptable range.

Your diabetes in heat and humidity

Hot and humid weather and scorching sunshine can affect glucose levels and other aspects of managing diabetes. This can include how insulin and other medications work, and possible dehydration that can lead to dangerously high and low blood sugars.

Read more about how heat and humidity can affect your diabetes management and health overall.

Tips to consider at the pool, beach, or hot tub

You can protect your insulin pens, glass vials, and insulin pumps with any of the following approaches:

• Insulin storage: Do not leave your insulin or supplies in direct sunlight or in a very hot vehicle. This might mean taking them with you and putting them under an umbrella or a towel if there’s no other shade.
• Insulin pump storage: Store your insulin pump in a cool, shady place out of direct exposure to the sun.
• Place an ice pack in your bag next to your diabetes kit. This may give you at least an hour of protection, depending on how hot it is outside. Remember not to put your insulin directly on top of an ice pack. Freezing insulin is just as destructive as overheating it.
• Cooling products: Consider buying a diabetes product designed to help protect your medication or supplies. This might include a Medicool pack or poncho to keep the ice packs in the right place or a Frio case activated by water to keep insulin temperatures at safe levels for up to several days. If you plan to keep your pump on while swimming for an extended period of time, consider using a waterproof case from sources like AquaPack.
• Adhesives: Use additional adhesive if necessary to protect your infusion site and CGM sensor site from coming off due to prolonged time in the water. Popular sources include Rock Tape, GrifGrips, Skin Tac, or Simpatch.
• Timing hot tub use: You might try to time when you get into a hot tub with when you’re planning for insulin pump infusion or CGM sensor site changes. While not always possible, timing your infusion site change around a hot tub soak can mean you don’t have to worry about the site coming loose or possible insulin damage from the hot water.
• Medical ID: Wear a diabetes medical ID bracelet or necklace when you’re in the water or nearby, to help alert other people and lifeguards or paramedics to your condition.

Can you swim with an insulin pump?

Yes, you can swim if you wear an insulin pump.

This form of physical activity is good for your healthTrusted Source in general, and that is even more true for people with conditions that include diabetes. Having an insulin pump doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying the water, as long as you take a few precautions.

Various diabetes devices have certain limitations for how they can be used in water. For example:

• iLet by Beta Bionics is waterproof up to 12 feet deep for up to 30 minutes
• Medtronic’s MiniMed 780G system is waterproof at a 12-foot depth for up to 24 hours
• Omnipod 5 by Insulet is waterproof in 25 feet for up to 60 minutes
• Tandem t:slim X2 is “water-resistant” in 3 feet deep water for up to 30 minutes (the device user guide advises that the pump not be worn while swimming or in a hot tub)

Always make sure to consult your diabetes device manufacturer’s guidelines before exposing your insulin pump to any water.

Swimming benefits for diabetes

Swimming can benefit people with diabetes in several ways. These include improved insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels, weight management, cardiovascular health, and mental health.

Find out more about how swimming can help you, with diabetes or not.

Your diabetes management at pools and hot tubs

Consult your diabetes care team about how to handle times when you’re enjoying swimming pools, hot tubs, and beach time. They can help you navigate these situations, from how to handle insulin dosing to changes you might experience from exercise and exposure to high temperatures.

One suggestion they might have for people using insulin pumps is to be mindful of how long they might be disconnected from the device. That may affect blood sugars and longer-term management over several hours or an entire day.

Your healthcare team can best guide you on taking an insulin bolus if you’ve been disconnected from the pump for more than 30 minutes, accounting for the amount of background basal insulin you might be missing during that time period. This is specific medical advice, so make sure to consult your doctor first.

They will also likely instruct you to have fast-acting carbs, such as glucose tablets, on hand in case you experience a low blood sugar while at the pool, beach, or in a hot tub.

Don’t forget that swimming is an exercise and will affect your blood sugar levels.

Are hot tubs safe for people with diabetes?

Yes, hot tubs are OK for people with diabetes. However, they do require some extra care and attention, just as swimming pools and beachfront experiences do.

They can affect blood sugar levels and increase the risk of hypoglycemia since the increased blood flow moves insulin faster throughout the body.

Your doctor can help guide you on insulin dosing and blood sugar management that may need adjusting with hot tub use. Some suggest that people using insulin avoid taking a full mealtime or correction bolus before getting in a hot environment, and instead take a lower amount to help accommodate any blood sugar swing.

Insulin dosing aside, the heat from the hot tub water can be dangerous for the insulin inside the pump and the infusion site’s cannula, which delivers insulin under your skin. Most hot tubs are hotter than 95 degrees, which means an insulin pump should never be submerged, regardless of whether it’s water-resistant or not.

• Traditional tubed pumps should be disconnected before you get into a hot tub
• Omnipod patch pumps can stay attached as long as they’re on the upper body and can remain above the heated water
• CGM sensors have similar guidance about not submerging and keeping them above hot water, if possible

If you accidentally immerse your pod in the hot water for too long, keep a very close eye on your blood sugars during the few hours afterward to make sure you don’t experience any unexpected hyperglycaemia. That could be a sign that the insulin is no longer effective, and you may need a new insulin set change to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

The takeaway

When you live with diabetes, you can enjoy swimming pools, beach water adventures, and hot tubs. However, this may require some extra care and planning to ensure you do not experience any serious blood sugar fluctuations other diabetes-related issues.

You can take simple steps to manage your diabetes while in the water or enjoying waterfront fun in the sun. These may include tracking blood sugars closely and properly storing insulin, medications, or diabetes devices in cooler temperatures and out of direct sunlight.

It’s important to stay hydrated and have fast-acting carbs on hand in case of low blood sugar. Your healthcare and diabetes team can help guide you on any insulin adjustments to make before or after you’re at the pool or hot tub.

https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/swimming-pools-hot-tubs-with-diabetes#using-diabetes-devices 

New type of diabetes is now officially recognized and linked to nutritional deficiencies

From earth.com/news

Type 5 diabetes is no longer a footnote. On April 9, 2025 the International Diabetes Federation confirmed that chronic undernutrition can seed a very different form of blood‑sugar trouble, giving the condition its own place in the global classification system.

“Malnutrition‑related diabetes has historically been vastly under‑diagnosed and poorly understood,” said Dr. Meredith Hawkins as the vote was announced. Hawkins is an endocrinologist at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and founding director of the Global Diabetes Institute (GDI).

Why a fifth type matters

Nearly one in nine adults worldwide now lives with some form of diabetes, and more than 250 million people remain unaware of their status, according to the 11th edition of the IDF Diabetes Atlas.

Most public campaigns focus on type 2 diabetes, yet an estimated 20 to 25 million lean adolescents and young adults in Asia and Africa carry the new diagnosis of type 5, a burden comparable in size to HIV infection in the same regions.

Unlike type 2, type 5 takes hold where food is scarce, not plentiful. That reality undercuts a long‑standing public narrative that ties diabetes exclusively to over‑nutrition. 

For governments counting every healthcare dollar, a distinct label matters. Budgets follow labels, and without one, entire populations have slipped through screening and treatment programs designed for very different metabolic problems.

“This is about equity, science, and saving lives,” said Professor Peter Schwarz, president of the IDF, summing up the stakes during the Bangkok congress. 

Early hunger leaves a lasting mark

Decades of animal work show that a low‑protein diet during gestation or adolescence stunts pancreatic growth and the formation of beta cells, the tiny factories that make insulin.

Human epidemiology echoes that biology, linking low birth weight and recurring childhood malnutrition to impaired glucose control later on.

Researchers now group type 5 under severe insulin‑deficient diabetes, a label that captures the core defect: the pancreas never learned to keep up with sugar loads, even though the rest of the body remains sensitive to insulin.

In South India, investigators tracked adults whose body‑mass index averaged just 18.3 kg/m² yet whose blood sugar routinely soared; birth‑weight records, where available, pointed to under‑nutrition in the womb.

Community nutrition programs are therefore viewed not only as anti‑hunger measures but also as long‑range diabetes prevention.

Public‑health economists note a secondary benefit. Feed a girl properly before and during pregnancy, and her children may avoid the same metabolic trap, breaking an expensive inter‑generational cycle of disease.

Different metabolic fingerprint

State‑of‑the‑art euglycemic clamp studies, published in 2022, confirmed that type 5 patients secrete dramatically less insulin than matched controls while showing normal or even heightened insulin sensitivity.

The same work found little visceral fat and modest liver fat, a stark contrast to type 2 profiles. In practical terms, these young adults do not carry the metabolic baggage that fuels insulin resistance in obesity‑driven diabetes.

Autoantibody screens stay negative, ruling out the immune‑mediated beta‑cell destruction that defines type 1 diabetes.

The numbers therefore line up: glucose levels look dangerous, C‑peptide looks scant, but inflammatory markers typical of autoimmunity are absent.

Because the pancreas is small, many experts suspect that oral drugs that nudge the remaining beta cells may help more than high‑dose insulin injections, a strategy that could lower costs and reduce dangerous hypoglycaemia in food‑insecure settings.

Diabetes type causes clinical confusion

“Doctors are still unsure how to treat these patients, who often don’t live for more than a year after diagnosis,” Dr. Hawkins warned.

Younger clinicians, trained on the obesity paradigm, may reach for large insulin doses that push already fragile patients into ulcerating hypoglycemia.

Misclassification also skews surveillance data. When a thin teenager in rural Uganda shows up with elevated glucose but no ketosis, the chart often reads “type 1,” obscuring the true epidemiology and directing precious insulin supplies away from those who need them.

A 2025 commentary in the Bangladesh Journal of Endocrinology emphasised the threat: standard insulin regimens carry “potentially fatal consequences” for type 5 patients who are mis‑typed as type 1, because even small dosing errors provoke sharp glucose crashes.

Simple screening cues can help. A BMI below 19 kg/m² in the absence of autoantibodies should prompt consideration of type 5, especially when the history includes prolonged childhood hunger.

Steps for care of diabetes type 5

Two weeks after the Bangkok vote, the IDF launched a dedicated working group to write diagnostic criteria, compile treatment algorithms, and build an international patient registry by 2027.

The panel, co‑chaired by Hawkins and Dr. Nihal Thomas of Christian Medical College in Vellore, India, will test low‑dose insulin, sulfonylureas, and structured nutrition programs in multi‑site trials. Results could reshape essential‑medicine lists in low‑income countries.

Public‑health agencies are already modelling the economic impact. Analysts predict that shifting even half of misdiagnosed cases from insulin vials to oral drugs could save tens of millions of dollars each year, funds that might be redirected to maternal nutrition.

Advocates also press for the inclusion of pancreas‑focused imaging in major nutrition cohorts. Measuring organ size early could identify high‑risk children before glucose spirals out of control.

“We are taking decisive steps to correct this,” said Schwarz, insisting that momentum will continue. Policies built on that momentum will decide whether type 5 becomes another silent killer or a preventable relic of poverty.

The study is published in Diabetes Care.

https://www.earth.com/news/new-type-of-diabetes-type-5-is-now-officially-recognized-linked-to-nutritional-deficiencies/

A Doctor’s Guide to Your First Month with Type 2 Diabetes

From healthline.com/health

A new type 2 diabetes diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Here’s what a doctor recommends as key steps to manage your health during the first month.

Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes can feel overwhelming. There’s a lot to learn, process, and adjust, and it often comes with a mix of emotions. It’s common to feel uncertain about where to begin.

Dr. Jennah Siwak, a board certified family and obesity medicine physician known as @WeightDoc on TikTok, recommends focusing your first month on five key areas that will help lay a strong foundation:

• Education: Learn what type 2 diabetes is and how it affects your body.
• Blood glucose awareness: Understand if and when to monitor your glucose levels.
• Lifestyle audit: Take inventory of your current eating and activity habits.
• Medication: Learn how your prescribed treatment works and how to stay consistent with it.
• Support: Build a network of people and resources to help you stay on track emotionally and practically.

This guide will walk you through each of these focus areas with practical steps and advice based on Dr. Siwak’s insights.

1. Meet with your care team and get educated

Understanding what type 2 diabetes is and how to manage it is the most important early step. “Education is a great place to begin,” says Dr. Siwak.

“Education helps build self-confidence in your ability to manage diabetes. It’s crucial for informed decision making and helps prevent complications from uncontrolled blood sugar.”

Working with a care team can also help reduce fear and confusion.

To get started, you can:

• Schedule a follow-up appointment: Book a visit with your primary care provider as soon as possible.
• Ask for referrals, if needed: Consider seeing a registered dietitian, diabetes self-management educator (DSMES), or endocrinologist (less common).
• Prepare questions ahead of time: Write down questions to discuss during your appointment.

Questions you might ask include:

• Do I need to check my blood glucose?
• What are the signs of low or high blood sugar?
• What is my blood sugar goal?
• How do food, exercise, medications, stress, or illness affect my glucose?

2. Start monitoring blood glucose if advised

Monitoring your blood sugar helps you understand how your body responds to different foods, physical activity, and medications. “Tracking may not be forever,” says Dr. Siwak, “but in the beginning, it builds awareness that helps guide your care plan.”

To start monitoring your blood sugar, you can:

• Ask your doctor if monitoring is recommended: Find out when you should check your blood sugar, such as fasting, before meals, or only when you feel off.
• Learn how to monitor: Use the method your doctor recommends, like a finger-stick glucose meter or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).
• Track consistently: Record your blood sugar levels regularly, along with your food intake and physical activity.
• Use tracking tools: Try apps like MySugr or Glucose Buddy, or keep a written log in a notebook if you prefer.

3. Take a nutrition and activity inventory

You don’t need to make major changes overnight. Start by understanding your current habits and choosing one or two places to make a meaningful shift.

Nutrition adjustments

“The food we eat is a major controllable factor in balancing blood sugar,” says Dr. Siwak. Rather than aiming for perfection, aim for one simple improvement at a time.

• Reduce sugar and carb intake: Choose one high-sugar or high carb item you eat or drink regularly, like soda, juice, desserts, or alcohol, and reduce or eliminate it.
• Learn to read food labels. Pay attention to food labels for added sugars, total carbohydrates, and fibre. This will give you more control over what you eat.
• Start adding in healthier foods: Try to prioritize lean proteins (chicken, fish, tofu), non-starchy vegetables (leafy greens, broccoli, zucchini), and whole grains (quinoa, brown rice).
• Meet with a registered dietitian (RD): An RD can help you create a sustainable eating plan tailored to your needs.

Physical activity adjustments

Physical activity lowers blood glucose, improves insulin sensitivity, and benefits both heart and mental health. “Start moving,” says Dr. Siwak. “It doesn’t have to be anything crazy or intimidating, and yes, walking counts.”

Here’s how to get started:

• Check with your doctor: Make sure you’re cleared to begin exercising.
• Use a step counter or phone app: Track your movement and look for small, steady increases in your daily steps.
• Start small: Aim for just 5 minutes of movement. If you continue beyond that, great. If not, you’ve still made progress.
• Work toward 150 minutes per week: This can look like 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Build up gradually based on your ability.

4. Understand your medication plan

Many people with type 2 diabetes will need medication. “People often feel they should be able to manage diabetes without medication or feel like they’ve failed if they need it,” says Dr. Siwak. “That’s not true. Sometimes medication is necessary, especially early on.”

To manage your medication effectively, you can:

• Ask about your medication: Find out what you’ve been prescribed, how it works, when to take it, if it needs to be taken with food, and what side effects to watch for.
• Set up reminders: Use alarms, medication apps, or a pill organizer to help you take your medication consistently.
• Reach out for help: Contact your pharmacist or doctor with any questions or concerns about your medication or what to expect from it.

5. Build your support system

“This isn’t your fault,” says Dr. Siwak. “There is usually a strong genetic predisposition. Genetics is the lock, and lifestyle is the key.”

Diabetes can feel isolating, especially in the beginning. Having support helps with emotional well-being, accountability, and motivation.

To strengthen your support system, you can:

• Talk with someone you trust: Share your diagnosis and what you’re learning.
• Invite a family member or friend: Ask them to join you in a healthy habit like meal prepping or walking together.
• Find a support group: Look for diabetes support groups locally or online to connect with others who understand what you’re going through.
• Follow credible educators: Use social media to follow trusted health professionals who provide reliable diabetes information and encouragement.

Stay organized and track your progress

Managing diabetes involves keeping track of daily habits, symptoms, and routines. Staying organized helps you stay consistent and reduces mental load.

To stay organized, you can:

• Set alarms on your phone: Use reminders for medication times or meals as needed.
• Use a tracking app or notebook: Log your food intake or blood glucose with apps like LoseIt, MyFitnessPal, MySugr, or Glucose Buddy. If you prefer, a simple notebook works well too.
• Keep a central place for important documents: Store lab results, medication instructions, and doctor notes in a folder, app, or paper file.
• Visit trusted sources regularly: Check websites like the American Diabetes Association for credible and up-to-date information.

What progress looks like in the first month

There’s no single definition of a “successful” first month. Dr. Siwak emphasizes that “any improvement is a win.” Progress is not only measured in blood sugar numbers.

Signs you’re on track

Beyond blood sugar numbers, these are concrete steps that show you’re actively managing your diabetes:

• You’ve met with at least one member of your care team.
• You’ve started taking medications consistently.
• You’ve made one change to your eating habits.
• You’ve increased your physical activity.
• You feel more informed and less overwhelmed.

Signs of a healthy mindset

Managing diabetes is as much about mental shifts as physical ones. Here’s how a healthy mindset looks as you adjust:

• You’ve accepted the diagnosis and are taking action.
• You’re learning what affects your blood glucose and are adjusting accordingly.
• You’re showing yourself compassion instead of blame.
• You’re focused on consistency rather than quick fixes.

Takeaway

Managing type 2 diabetes in the first month can feel overwhelming, but focusing on key areas like education, monitoring, nutrition, activity, medication, and support can build a strong foundation.

As Dr. Jennah Siwak emphasizes, progress is not just about numbers; it’s also about developing a healthy mindset and making sustainable changes at your own pace.

Remember, small, consistent steps add up, and you don’t have to do it alone. With the right knowledge and support, diabetes is manageable, and your health can improve over time.

https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/heres-what-a-doctor-would-focus-on-in-the-first-month-after-a-type-2-diabetes-diagnosis