Diabetes is a life-long condition which you need to take seriously. Managing your diabetes well is a balancing act where you have to manage your medication (if you are taking any), with a healthy diet and physical activity.

The management of diabetes most importantly involves self-care. The links down the right hand side of this page will describe how you can manage your diabetes most effectively.

Coming to terms with diabetes

It is a common reaction when you are first diagnosed to be shocked and then to feel a little lost. Some people are relieved that it is nothing worse, others are fearful and some scared because they feel their life is out of control and they cannot cope. It is not unusual to feel helpless and overwhelmed. All these feelings are natural, family members may also be having similar feelings.

Diabetes is your condition and although it would be nice for others to manage it, it is your responsibility to do so with the help and support of the help and support of health professionals, family and friends.

It takes time to come to terms with your condition and some people have a harder time than others. This means you may experience a number of emotional changes, anger, sadness, fear, anxiety, or depression (more than just feeling a bit low).

It is very common for people to feel depressed and anxious, but there are many ways you can help yourself. If the emotions you experience last more than a month, have a chat with your GP.

You can discuss the following with your GP at any time:

• Getting in touch with members of a diabetes self-help group
• Receiving some extra support like psychological counselling
• Being prescribed some medication which may help any anxiety or depression

Educating yourself about your condition can help immensely by reducing your anxieties. Discussing your condition with your family, friends and other people with diabetes can help you understand and cope with your fears.