6 Things to Know When You’re Diagnosed With Type 2 Diabetes

First, know this: All your feelings are valid—and completely normal. It’s overwhelming to find out that you have a chronic illness such as Type 2 diabetes. And it can make you feel as if you don’t have much control over your health and life right now. We get it. The very empowering silver lining is, there are a number of things you can do--from monitoring your glucose levels with the most accurate tools to tweaking your diet without depriving yourself--to make this journey more manageable. Here, six perspective-changing points to remember when dealing with a new Type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

Your race can also contribute to a diagnosis. According to the recent guidelines, South Asians, Chinese, and Blacks are most at risk for diabetes. So, while your lifestyle can trigger the disease, your predisposition to developing Type 2 diabetes may be something that is completely out of your control.

In a 2021 study published in BMJ, patients placed on even a short-term low carb diet had better success managing their condition than those on a different diet. The benefits of a low-carb diet included weight loss and less use of medication at the six-month mark. Experts say more research is needed in this area, but we know that eating fewer simple carbs (baked goods, white bread and pasta, soft drinks, etc.)--the type that sends your blood sugar soaring--can help keep glucose levels more steady and within the target range—the ultimate goal when managing your Type 2 diabetes.

Knowing your fasting blood sugar, what your levels look like two hours after a meal, and even where they are before and after a workout can help you identify patterns and make it easier to determine which foods and meal times work best for you. One simple (and highly accurate) blood glucose meter is Accu-Chek Guide Meter. Place a drop anywhere along the unique, easy-edge strip design using the spill-resistant vial, log your data automatically by connecting to the mySugr app, and use the feedback to live your life comfortably—without experiencing the dangerous highs and lows of out-of-balance blood sugar. Get your free* meter here.

Your workout routine doesn’t have to be extreme. Diabetes Canada recommends 150 minutes of moderate-to-intense exercise spread over three sessions a week for those with Type 2 diabetes. Ideally, you want a mix of cardio and strength or resistance training. Divide that up into a few days a week or aim for 30 minutes five days a week. Find a mode of movement you can handle and enjoy: walking, swimming, cycling, dancing, and using free weights are just a few examples of workouts that help with Type 2 diabetes.

When you first find out about your Type 2 diabetes, you may feel a bit isolated. Let’s face it; having to eat differently than your friends and family can make you feel like you’re alone in the process. But that’s not true at all. The number of Candians living with diabetes is expected to jump to 5 million or 12% of the population over the next 10 years, which means a ton of resources and support services are available—beyond your team of healthcare professionals. Do a quick search for “Type 2 support group” on Facebook and you’ll find groups focused on sharing tips, diabetic-friendly recipes and more. There are also support groups and opportunities to get involved with Type 2 diabetes via Diabetes Canada. Talking with people in the same situation can feel empowering and offset some of the emotional effects of the disease.  

*Certain conditions apply.