How did you feel when you were first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes?

Last November, I had a conversation with my friend and client, Cindy, about her experience with getting this diagnosis. We talked about different aspects of her diabetes, such as what it was like when she was first diagnosed, what her doctor told her about her diabetes, how the conversation around medication went, the impact on her family, the feeling of shame getting the diagnosis, unexpected symptoms, support and going through menopause with diabetes. The last part of our conversation, we talked about the possibility of diabetes being a turning point, an opportunity for healing.

Cindy is straight forward, honest and funny. Some of her answers might surprise you. You may relate to her experience or simply feel a bit better knowing you aren’t alone with your diabetes. I’ll be posting links to segments of our conversation in the weeks to come. On that same page, you will find more help if you want it! You can listen to the first part of her story HERE.

I don’t have diabetes but I imagine I would be very upset to know that with this diagnosis, I really had to stop eating foods I loved, start eating foods I’m not used to and pay attention to what I was eating and drinking. It feels like too much work! I never did well on a diet because as soon as I thought about what I couldn’t eat, I immediately felt deprived and ended up eating more instead of less of my usual diet.

How was it for you? What did you think and feel about this diagnosis? Angry? Scared? In denial? Does that same thinking still “run” you? Is your thinking holding you in a rigid pattern of negativity, punishing yourself for “letting this happen” and keeping you stuck in anger, shame and guilt?

If you are there, realize that this condition happens to many people for many reasons. You could continue to “beat yourself up” over it or you could do something different. Type 2 diabetes is a result of the lifestyle you grew up with and or created as you got older. It can be managed or even reversed. It depends on what you are willing to do to make your situation better. It’s not easy but with information, support and accountability, you can make changes that better support you and your health.

Dr Elaine

Download my free 30 Day Guide to Manage or Reverse Type 2 Diabetes 

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for advice about a specific medical condition.

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