4 Strategies to Help You Cope with Diabetes Distress

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, you’re not alone. According to the American Diabetes Association¹, 1.5 million Americans will be diagnosed with diabetes this year. We know you have many questions, anxieties and concerns about how this diagnosis will impact your life. But the good news is that there are so many resources, educational opportunities and ways to connect with others dealing with diabetes distress.

What’s the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

There is no cure for diabetes, but it can be treated and managed. Your doctor will tell you which one you have, but here’s a little bit more information about the two types:

Type 2: This is the most common type, notes the American Diabetes Association.² With type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use it well, explains the American Diabetes Association.³ This is a problem because your body’s cells can’t use glucose (blood sugar) for the energy it needs, reports Mayo Clinic.⁴ If glucose stays in your blood, notes Mayo Clinic⁵, it can cause bodily harm. A heart-healthy diet, active lifestyle and medicine (sometimes) are how to balance your blood sugar levels, cites Mayo Clinic.⁶

Type 1: Many people assume this is a childhood disease, but even people in their seventies or eighties can develop type 1, says Columbia University Irving Medical Center.⁷ A type 1 diagnosis means your pancreas doesn’t produce insulin, states the American Diabetes Association.⁸ You’ll need to monitor your blood sugar levels and administer multiple daily insulin injections to help manage the disease, cites the American Diabetes Association.⁹

4 strategies to help you cope with diabetes distress

Now that you know the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, we’ve got another term for you to keep in mind: “diabetes distress.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention¹⁰ says this phrase could apply to you if all the worry, frustration and anger about your diagnosis takes you to the point where you find it hard to take care of yourself.

Don’t let it get to this breaking point. Here are some ways to cope:

• Get emotional support: Now is the time to lean in on support from your doctor, caregivers, family and friends. Don’t hide your diabetes from others, explains the CDC.¹¹ Your support system can help you monitor your blood sugar levels, step up as an exercise buddy and help you prepare healthy meals. Be honest about any problems you’re facing and let people know how they can help you, recommends the CDC.¹²
• Pay attention to your diet: Changing your diet by yourself can be difficult. It might be helpful if you ask your doctor to refer you to a dietician who can help make sure you’re on the right path toward healthful eating. According to the American Diabetes Association¹³, your diet should include a variety of foods, like veggies, whole grains, fruits, non-dairy foods and lean meats. Eat three meals a day (not too much of one type of food), space your meals evenly throughout the day and don’t skip meals.
• Incorporate exercise into your routine: Physical activity helps lower your blood sugar, notes the American Diabetes Association.¹⁴ Talk to your doctor about which physical activity is right for you. A few ideas from the American Diabetes Association¹⁵ include walking, swimming, stretching or yoga.
• Ask for medical support: Insulin is expensive. But if you talk to your pharmacist or doctor, they might know of government programs that can help lessen the cost, says the CDC.¹⁶ The CDC¹⁷ also recommends checking with community health centers because they might have information about programs that can help you get discounted rates for insulin, diabetes medicine and supplies.

Helpful resources

Now is an excellent time to educate and empower yourself on how to live with diabetes. Here are two top resources to help you get started:

• The American Diabetes Association¹⁸: This website contains resources to help you learn more about the disease. It offers recipe ideas, information about clinical trials and insulin affordability resources. https://www.diabetes.org/
• Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists¹⁹: As a Humana member, enrolling in a diabetes education class is free. You can look for a diabetes education program that’s met the standards of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.diabeteseducator.org/living-with-diabetes

We know that being newly diagnosed with diabetes can be stressful. But taking care of yourself, managing your medication and getting connected to a support system are all steps you can take to proactively manage your diagnosis.

Sources

1. “Newly Diagnosed,” The American Diabetes Association, last accessed August 17, 2022, https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/newly-diagnosed
2. “The Path to Understanding Diabetes Starts Here,” The American Diabetes Association, last accessed August 17, 2022, https://diabetes.org/diabetes/type-2
3. “The Path to Understanding Diabetes Starts Here”
4. “Type 2 Diabetes,” Mayo Clinic, last accessed August 17, 2022, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20351193
5. “Type 2 Diabetes”
6. “Type 2 Diabetes”
7. “When Type 1 Diabetes Strikes Older Adults,” Columbia University Irving Medical Center, last accessed August 17, 2022, https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/when-type-1-diabetes-strikes-older-adults
8. “The Path to Understanding Diabetes Starts Here”
9. “The Path to Understanding Diabetes Starts Here”
10. “10 Tips for Coping with Diabetes Distress,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed August 17, 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/diabetes-distress/ten-tips-coping-diabetes-distress.html#:~:text=Talk%20with%20your%20family%20and,may%20add%20to%20your%20stress
11. “10 Tips for Coping with Diabetes Distress”
12. “10 Tips for Coping with Diabetes Distress”
13. “Newly Diagnosed”
14. “Newly Diagnosed”
15. “Newly Diagnosed”
16. “10 Tips for Coping with Diabetes Distress”
17. “10 Tips for Coping with Diabetes Distress”
18. The American Diabetes Association, last accessed August 17, 2022, https://www.diabetes.org/
19. Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists, last accessed August 17, 2022, https://www.diabeteseducator.org/living-with-diabetes