I was just diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. What should I do?

Recently, I met a middle-aged gentleman — we'll call him Tom — in a public place. He expressed to me that he had just been diagnosed with diabetes and that his doctor had left for vacation the following day. At first, Tom was fine with that because he had an appointment coming up in four weeks to meet with the doctor again, but as he started to tell his friends and family that he'd just learned he had diabetes, he began to panic.

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Before you start your diabetes exercise plan

Fitness plays a special role for people who have diabetes. Being fit means becoming healthier by adding activity to your day. Talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider before getting started. He or she may want you to have a checkup before you become more active. Also, having certain tests first helps you and your doctor learn how you will respond to a fitness program.

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Amy Leffard, RN, CDE, Mount Nittany Health, is one of Mount Nittany Health's certified diabetes educators. Holistic management of diabetes requires a full team effort from medical professionals, and our diabetes educators play a vital role in helping patients adjust to life with diabetes. Amy facilitates our support groups, and is happy to take general questions from the public.

Send her a question.

Heather Harpster, MS, RD, LDN, CDE, Mount Nittany Health, is one of Mount Nittany Health's certified diabetes educators. Holistic management of diabetes requires a full team effort from medical professionals, and our diabetes educators play a vital role in helping patients adjust to life with diabetes. Heather facilitates our "Life with Diabetes" classes and is happy to take nutrition-related questions from the public.

Send her a question.

Making healthy living choices each and every day is key to preventing or managing diabetes. There are a variety of free, effective online tools available to help you maintain a healthier lifestyle.

Online type 2 diabetes risk assessment

Are you at risk for developing type 2 diabetes? Find out, with a free, easy and fast online assessment provided by the American Diabetes Association.

Learn more.

Diaries, guides, checklists and more

Free downloadable tools are available on everything from daily meal planning and carb counting to self-care diaries, log books and more. They are available for adults and children, in multiple languages.

Learn more.