Almost 16 million Americans have diabetes.  Many don’t even know it.  The news about having diabetes can come as a shock or just a confirmation of what was expected.

Where to begin in the task of taking care of your diabetes can be overwhelming.  People have a wide range of responses to the news.  Denial, fear, anger, guilt, embarrassment or even being unconcerned are common.

Getting started and deciding what to do first can be challenging.  There are people and resources available to help you on your way to living well with diabetes. 

Following are some tips to set the stage: 

• Relax
• Gather your health care team  
• Get an overview of what needs to be done  
• Get education about how to do it  
• Share your plan/needs with others close to you  
• Allow yourself time to practice making the behavior changes and adding the diabetes care tasks.

Like most challenges you have faced in your life, keeping a positive attitude is important.  Many people live happy, healthy lives.  People with diabetes do too.  

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