No matter your age, receiving a diagnosis of diabetes is overwhelming. You have so many doctor appointments scheduled and you must keep track of your medication and diet like never before. Follow these tips to smooth out your transition and adjust to your new health needs.

Medication

Medication for diabetes varies depending on whether you have type 1 or type 2. However, most medicines assist the body in producing insulin or breaking down sugars. Some kinds are taken orally, while others are inserted directly into the veins. For the second form of medication, you may need to inject it using a needle. However, you may also need a pump that regulates your insulin on its own. You may buy your own, or if finances are an issue, consider an infusion pump rental.

Schedule

Diabetes requires careful monitoring of your eating times and medicinal doses. At your doctor’s appointments, ask lots of questions about when and what he or she suggests you eat in relation to each medicine. Keep track of when you take your medicine with a calendar app or by writing down the times by hand. You can set reminders on your phone to take or inject your medicine. Don’t let yourself become lazy and assume you’ll always remember to take your medicine or that you won’t forget and take two doses. Diabetes is a serious health issue; it’s worth your time to be cautious.

Diet

Since diabetes involves a malfunction with your blood sugar levels and the hormones that help with those levels, following a careful diet is crucial to maintaining your health. The specific foods you should eat change for the different types of diabetes. However, in general, you should stay away from overly sweet foods such as dessert and sweeteners. Other foods to be aware of are ones that are high in fat, fiber, salt or protein. They can cause quick changes to your blood sugar levels, which you should analyze after you eat. Try to keep your level of carbohydrate intake about the same throughout the day so that your levels do not suddenly spike. If this sounds as if it will take all the fun out of food, remember you can still eat good food. It just needs to be healthy and monitored.

Keep these tips in mind as you adjust to diabetes. No advice is more important than your doctor’s, though, so be sure to ask for help and follow what he or she says.