Hi ljw

It always a bit of a shock when you are first diagnosed - I was diagnosed at the age of 40 - a real midlife crisis, the big 4-0 and diabetic to boot.

The good news is that it ain't as bad as it seems at the moment.

My tips would be:
* read as much as you can about diabetes - information is power in this case.
* more exercise (unless you are already pretty athletic). It not only helps your diabetes but it has a 'mood enhancing' effect as well.
* for the time being, take your meds and let things settled down. If you have only just been diagnosed, your medical team will need a little time to work which meds work best for you. Once you have reached a stable (and lower) blood sugar level you will start to feel better anyway.
* read this forum :) Within the limits that none of us (that I know of) are trained doctors, we will try to answer any questions you may have.

I was diagnosed last year. Several things happened; one of my friends was involved in a big accident and one of her children died, my mum had cancer removed from her boob and to cap it all we were under the scrutiny of social services prior to the adoption of a wonderfull toddler.

Take your meds, do research and read as much as you can, eat sensibly, if you like to be part of things, as well as talking to us join a group like Diabetes UK as they hold regular meetings. As you get used to regular testing you'll find out what's normal for you. The nice thing is now I am used to testing I can give myself a treat from time to time, so don't feel deprived!

Good luck and welcome to the club!

The internet has made the world smaller. I appreciate the support from this site and have told as many people about it as I can.

Diabetes is a way of life. Now when the chocolates are going round the office people check with me first. My manager and people I work with have all been very supportive as have my husband and children. My dad is diabetic, but my mum tells him waht to do, so no support there, but everyone else has been brilliant.

I have found it has helped to tell people. And it's OK to cry too.

Hi there, I was diagnosed on 16th December 2006 and have read everything I can possibly find on Type 2 diabetese, joined a couple of groups on the internet and have recently joined the Diabetic Association in my city in South Africa and despite the fact that I have read so much and spoken to so many people, I still feel I don't know nearly enough and it scares me terribly. I feel I still need to know so much more. I've lost 46 pounds since December and feel really wonderful, but this diabetic problem is constantly on my mind, I sometimes check my sugar level 5 times a day just to see that it's still alright. Will this obsession ever improve?

Hi there Lankyman and thank you so much.

Although I'm feeling really great about myself right now, I would still like to lose another 20 - 30 pounds. As far as checking my sugar so often goes, I play the violin and have to find places to prick so that it doesn't hurt when I press the strings, I find the thumbs work really well but they can only take so much in one week.

I have always been confused about when to check my sugar, I see you say 2 - 3 hours after a meal, that will help me a lot, I always check an hour after but will give a little longer in future.