Best practices for newly diagnosed type 1 diabetics include:
- Learn as much as you can about the condition: Understanding the basics of diabetes and how it affects your body will help you manage your condition more effectively.
- Work with a diabetes care team: A diabetes care team typically includes a primary care physician, a diabetes educator, a dietitian, and an endocrinologist. This team can help you learn how to manage your diabetes, set goals, and develop an individualized treatment plan.
- Test your blood sugar regularly: Testing your blood sugar regularly will help you understand how your body responds to different foods, activities, and medications. You should test your blood sugar levels as often as recommended by your diabetes care team.
- Use insulin as directed: Insulin is the main treatment for type 1 diabetes, and you will need to take it as directed by your diabetes care team. It’s important to use the correct dosage and to learn how to administer it properly.
- Follow a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet is important for managing diabetes. Your dietitian can help you create a meal plan that meets your nutritional needs and helps you control your blood sugar levels.
- Exercise regularly: Exercise can help lower your blood sugar levels and improve your overall health. Your diabetes care team can help you develop an exercise plan that is safe and effective.
- Monitor your feet: People with diabetes are at risk of developing foot problems. To avoid complications, it’s important to check your feet regularly and to wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes.
- Take care of your mental health: Living with diabetes can be stressful, and it’s important to take care of your mental health. If you are feeling overwhelmed, talk to your diabetes care team or a mental health professional.
- Stay informed: Keep yourself informed about new treatments, devices and technologies that may help you manage your diabetes.
- Be consistent: Being consistent with monitoring, taking medications, eating and exercising is important to manage diabetes effectively.
It is important to remember that diabetes management is an ongoing process, and it’s important to work closely with your diabetes care team to make sure you are getting the care and support you need to manage your condition.