When I was diagnosed with diabetes about 23 years ago, I didn’t know anything about it, or anyone living with it. In fact, I didn’t meet another diabetic person for 15 years. I was isolated and terrified, when I didn’t have to be. I’ve learned a few things along the way that I wish I knew years ago: Diabetes is NOT A DEATH SENTENCE!! I can’t say that more emphatically. Yes, diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to severe complications if not managed properly. But most people are clinging to outdated knowledge that was true decades ago – and not necessarily true today. Medicine has come a long way, making diabetes more manageable. It’s probably easier to manage than many other chronic conditions. If you follow your treatment plan, monitor your blood sugar levels, and make lifestyle changes, you can live a long, “normal” life. So, the first favor you can do for yourself is to stop thinking you’re going to die. Because you’re not. Today, the only people who suffer severe complications from diabetes are those without access to the right care, or who don’t want to follow their treatment plan. Stigma Surrounding Diabetes is Real and Very Serious Fear of diabetes is more damaging than the condition itself. How? Because people fear to get tested for diabetes because of stigma. So, they might not know they have it until it’s too late. Or, they don’t want to follow their treatment plan because of stigma. Or maybe managing their condition reminds them they have it. People with diabetes can face discrimination and misunderstanding. Though treatments have changed, people’s minds haven’t. Some people cling to memories of a time when facts were different. They believe myths. For whatever reasons, they’re unwilling to accept the truth or new facts about diabetes. So, consider carefully whom you choose to disclose your diabetes status to. You’re Not Alone Over 400 million people worldwide live with diabetes. Many are thriving, with productive and dignified lives. There are support groups, online communities, and organizations with resources and support. I found a family within the organizations I’m affiliated with: The American Diabetes Association and Diabetes UK. There’s a sense of community shared among us as we work together in diabetes advocacy. This community has been healing for me in my journey. Find your tribe. The people who share your journey and experiences will help you along the way. Diabetes can be an isolating condition, but don’t allow yourself to believe you’re alone. Don’t live in isolation. You don’t have to. Life Goes On Being diagnosed with diabetes is frightening, but it’s not the end of your road. Life goes on, or it can if you follow your treatment plan. Why should managing your condition bother you? In your life, you’ll probably have to take care of other health issues like blood pressure or cholesterol, or even take a daily vitamin. That doesn’t bother you, so why should managing diabetes? One that keeps you healthy and alive. Living with diabetes is serious, but it may be easier than you think. Most times, I don’t even remember I have it. I don’t feel it. I just follow my treatment plan every day. It’s no big deal to me. Don’t let it bother you. You have a chronic condition, but it’s manageable and controllable, if you follow your treatment plan. So if you’ve just been diagnosed, don’t be afraid. You can look this condition in its eyes and say, I got this. Join others living with diabetes, recently diagnosed, or supporting someone who has it by joining our Diabetes Facebook Support Group.