If you have been recently diagnosed with diabetes, you are likely feeling a wide range of emotions, including anxiety, fear, denial and uncertainty. The most important step to take immediately after being diagnosed is to call your primary care physician or the Wellness Center, in order to get yourself professional care as soon as possible. Next, it is time to step back and assess what overall lifestyle changes are needed, and how you can get the help you need to move forward towards a healthy future. You will want to change your diet, increase your amount of daily physical activity, and regularly check your blood sugar level. This may seem overwhelming at first, but with time and thought it can become as simple and painless as any other daily routine.

An great aspect of the 1st Step Diabetes center is that it offers patients the support of an entire community. One of the most important things to remember is that you are not alone. Besides your doctor, friends, and family, there are numerous support groups available to help you easily adjust to daily diabetes maintenance. Getting in touch with fellow patients can help you to gain perspective on your own situation and on any difficulties you might have trying to understand and manage your diabetes. While diabetes is serious and can be frightening, it is also important to understand that it is still entirely possible to live a normal, healthy life. Nothing makes this clearer than meeting with other people who are successfully living with their diabetes.