First steps to dealing with diabetes

A diagnosis of diabetes can be overwhelming. The following guidelines will discuss what puts someone at risk for diabetes and offers tips on dealing with the condition.

Put as simply as possible, diabetes is a condition in which your body's cells can't absorb glucose from your bloodstream. Glucose, or blood sugar, is the basic fuel every cell needs to operate. When glucose can't pass through to your cells, it builds up in the bloodstream, causing serious complications throughout the body, including: heart disease; high blood pressure; and kidney, eye and nerve damage.

At the same time, your cells can't function properly without the proper fuel, causing you to feel tired. You may also feel thirsty and need to pee frequently, because the kidneys try to flush excess glucose out of your system by boosting urine production.

In addition to being overweight, these factors also put you at risk:

1. Family history. If anyone in your immediate family — a parent, sibling or grandparent — has had diabetes, you have a higher chance of developing the disease yourself. Your risk depends on the type of diabetes and how closely related you are to the person who has it (the risk is highest among identical twins).
2. Ethnicity. Type 2 diabetes is most prevalent in people whose heritage is African, Hispanic, Asian or First Nation. Type 1 diabetes is most prevalent in Caucasians, especially those with backgrounds in northern European regions, such as Scandinavia.
3. Age. Type 1 usually occurs in children or teens (it's rarely diagnosed after age 30). Type 2 generally develops after age 40, although it's becoming more common in younger people.

Of course, every doctor has a different approach. Your doctor (or a nurse or physician's assistant) will take a complete medical history. You'll answer questions about your life, any other physical problems and what kinds of drugs — prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, supplements, and recreational — you take. You'll also be asked about your family's health, including that of your parents, siblings, spouse and children.

You'll get a complete physical examination and you can expect to have tests run on your blood and urine. After the doctor has reviewed your test results, your doctor will work with you on a program for managing your diabetes. This may include drugs, a weight-loss plan, advice about exercising and managing your stress.

Being told you have diabetes is no small thing. If the news stirs up strong emotions, know that you are in good company. Dealing with these emotions effectively and straight away can help you successfully manage your condition for the rest of your life.

Here's how:

1. View emotions as progress. When you accept your feelings as a natural part of an ongoing process, it's an indication you're actually working through them and going ahead with the rest of your life.
2. Talk to someone. Sharing emotions with a loved one, joining a support group or attending a class about diabetes can help put your feelings in perspective and make you feel less alone.
3. Think short-term. You may feel overwhelmed by all the changes you have to make in your life. For now, focus on immediate goals ("Today I'll meet my dietitian") that will move you further down the road.
4. Forge ahead. Don't let your diabetes diagnosis paralyze you. The sooner you take action, the sooner you'll feel you've gotten your life back under control — and the sooner you'll start to feel better.