4 things to do after a diabetes diagnosis

While a diabetes diagnosis can seem overwhelming at first, you can easily work to achieve a healthy lifestyle and manage the disease. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Getting diagnosed with diabetes isn't news anyone wants to hear. Diabetes is a disease that requires a few lifestyle changes in order to manage well. When you receive this diagnosis, your healthcare provider will likely go over different lifestyle changes you can make, including alterations to your diet and exercise routine, among other things.

Getting more exercise doesn't mean you have to hit the gym twice a day. A little light walking is an excellent way to introduce more exercise into your life. Walking helps your body use insulin more efficiently and also helps you lose weight -- two things that help lower your blood sugar. Try to include 30 minutes of light exercise into your routine per day.

Your doctor will explain how to monitor your glucose levels in order to stay healthy, but you'll also want to make sure you keep tabs on your blood pressure and cholesterol. Having diabetes doubles your risk of stroke or heart disease, so make sure that you keep these levels down as well.

Changing your diet completely can be daunting, so go about it by making small changes one at a time. You can start by skipping full-fat dairy products and opting for skim varieties, cutting out all but lean meats, and adding fresh veggies to your plate at every meal.

There are many cookbooks available that focus on recipes for those with diabetes, and myriad websites offer free diabetes-friendly recipes as well.

Dealing with diabetes is much easier if you have a support network. Bring your partner to your doctor's appointments, or invite your kids or friends to diabetes education classes. Having people around who know how to best support you makes dealing with diabetes feel more manageable.

These are a few ways to get started with your diabetes care plan. With a few small lifestyle adjustments, you can make managing diabetes much easier. Remember to go over the dangers and warning signs with your doctor, and educate yourself about diabetes as you go. The more you know, the healthier you will be.