Some thoughts for the newly diabetic

I saw my doctor today. She's happy with my progress (that's always nice to hear). Near the end of my visit, she asked me if she might pick my brain sometime for advice to offer her other diabetic patients who might not be doing so well. That got me thinking, so I thought I might offer my tips for the newly diabetic.
   The first thing to realize when you're hit with such a life-changing diagnosis is that it's OK to get emotional about it. It's OK to be angry. Lord knows I was. I was angry because the diagnosis meant that I was going to have to give up a lot of the foods that I love -- things like fried chicken and pasta. I was angry at the perceived loss of control. Becoming diabetic meant that I was going to have to completely change my way of eating. This was not optional. I had no choice. And I was angriest of all because I felt I had done this to myself. I kept asking myself what might have happened if I hadn't waited so long to go see the doctor. Might I have prevented this? I'll likely never know. So it's OK to be angry. It's OK to be sad. Becoming diabetic does represent a loss of sorts, as dealing with it does require a complete lifestyle change. These emotions are normal. The key is being able to move past those emotions and embracing the diagnosis.
   Once you've embraced the diagnosis and dealt with the initial shock, I would simply say to listen to your doctor and do what he or she recommends to the best of your ability. This can be hard. I know it's no fun to deny yourself the foods you like that are on the "forbidden" list. Some days, I get cravings so intense that it's distracting. I crave things like sugar. Or I crave specific things like my favorite forbidden treat -- queso blanco. That's normal. The key is not to give in to those temporary cravings. I know several people who are diabetic who don't really adhere to the prescribed diet plan. They make excuses for themselves, telling me, "well, if I eat this (fill in the blank here), I just don't eat something else, and I let my medicine take care of the rest of it." That's just foolishness. Not taking your doctor's advice about diet is literally playing Russian roulette with your health. It's a gamble not worth taking.
   When it comes to sticking to a healthy eating plan, I would definitely recommend consulting a nutritionist if your insurance plan permits it. I remember the first week after my diagnosis. I was so afraid of food, I pretty much restricted myself to Cheerios and baked chicken with a little bit of oatmeal thrown in. I was starving, and I was grumpy. I was a real bear to be around. Consulting with a nutritionist opened up the world to me again and renewed my love affair with food. For the first time, I realized that I didn't have to starve myself. There was actually a lot I could eat. I could even have some of the things I loved again, with a few minor tweaks. And the best part about it is, if I ever have a question about something I might want, all I have to do is text my nutritionist for advice. It has made all the difference.
   Having diabetes isn't easy. Getting that diagnosis can be devastating. But it CAN be managed if you're willing to embrace the diagnosis and do the work. It doesn't have to be the end of your life. Making the necessary changes can open the door to a new, and healthier, beginning.