Coping with a type 2 diabetes diagnosis

Person discussing their diabetes diagnosis

Type 2 diabetes has been on the rise in the UK, with more than 4.8 million people now thought to be living with the condition. Receiving a diagnosis can come as a big shock, especially as symptoms tend to be hard to spot and can go unnoticed.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for around 90% of diabetics and occurs when either the body’s tissues become resistant to insulin or the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin to properly control blood sugar levels – or it can be down to a combination of the two.

Typically it affects people over the age of 40, but it’s becoming more common in young adults, teenagers and even children, as a result of increased rates of obesity, sedentary lifestyles and poor diet.

Receiving an initial diagnosis

Receiving an initial diagnosis Getting a diagnosis can come as a huge shock. It may cause feelings of stress, anxiety, anger and depression. You might also notice that your feelings fluctuate – feeling positive about managing diabetes one day, then stressed about it the next. However you are feeling, know that you are not alone. Diabetes is a significant life change, and it’s natural to experience strong reactions. Try to allow yourself some time to experience these feelings without judging yourself.

It may help to keep in mind that you can still live a long and healthy life with type 2 diabetes. Treatment and support has improved over the years, and many people are now using self-management to help manage it, with some even moving into remission (this is when blood sugar levels return to a non-diabetes range long term, without the need for diabetes medication).

In this video by Diabetes UK, learn what it was like for Zena to receive a diagnosis, and what things helped her – in particular with her emotional wellbeing.

The different impacts a diagnosis can have

A type 2 diabetes diagnosis can affect us in different ways. Below are some of the impacts you may experience.

Feelings of grief or loss – A type 2 diabetes diagnosis may evoke feelings of grief and loss for the perceived loss of health, freedom, and the ability to live without the constraints of a chronic condition. Individuals may mourn the loss of their previous lifestyle and struggle to come to terms with the changes required to manage their health effectively.

Fear and anxiety – Fear and anxiety about the implications of living with a chronic condition can be overwhelming. Concerns about potential complications, the need for medication, lifestyle changes, and the uncertainty of the future may contribute to heightened anxiety levels.

Stress – Managing type 2 diabetes can be complex and demanding, requiring significant lifestyle adjustments, dietary changes, medication management, and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels. The stress of managing the condition, combined with the demands of daily life, can lead to feelings of overwhelm and burnout.

Depression – There is a link between diabetes and depression, and according to Diabetes UK, as many as 40% of people with diabetes have struggled with their psychological wellbeing since being diagnosed. Diabetes doesn’t directly cause depression, but it can put you at greater risk of developing it.

Guilt or shame – Some people may experience feelings of guilt or shame based on lifestyle habits that may have contributed towards a diagnosis.

Loneliness – The stigma associated with type 2 diabetes and misconceptions about the condition may lead to social isolation and feelings of loneliness. Individuals may feel misunderstood or judged by others, leading to a reluctance to disclose their diagnosis or seek support from friends and family.

Physical impacts – Things such as medication to manage blood sugar levels, dietary changes, weight management and other lifestyle changes (such as physical activity) are some examples of ways a diagnosis can impact you physically.

Diabetes and work

Most people are able to control their diabetes effectively at work. You have no legal obligation to tell your employer, but letting them know can allow them to put support in place. Read more about work and diabetes at Diabetes UK.

It is worth checking with your line manager or HR team what employee support is available. For example, an employee assistance programme (EAP) can offer mental health support, and potentially access to counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Your employer may also have access to other interventions through an occupational health provider. This can include weight management programmes, health coaches, and access to wellbeing materials.

Ways to help cope and look after yourself

Keep physical active – This is one of the best things you can do to help manage type 2 diabetes. Try to find an activity you enjoy, such as walking, biking or dancing, and look for ways to make it a regular part of your weekly routine. The NHS recommends 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity a week.

Eat a healthy balanced diet – Trying to maintain a healthy balanced diet will help to manage blood sugar levels and support you to feel physically and mentally well. A balanced diet consists of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, nuts and seeds, lean protein and healthy fats. Learn more about eating healthily on the Diabetes UK website.

Be kind to yourself – Practicing self-care is a key part of looking after yourself. A diagnosis can be really overwhelming, so checking in with yourself and carrying out some self-care can help. This could include making time to relax, engaging in hobbies or interests that you enjoy, and rewarding yourself for achieving goals. You may also find it helpful to keep a journal of your thoughts and feelings to help you process and reflect on what you are experiencing.

Manage stress effectively – Stress doesn’t directly cause diabetes, but it can affect your blood sugar levels, so it’s important to try and manage it in a healthy way. Mind, the NHS and Mental Health Foundation offer plenty of tips you can try.

Learn tips about managing diabetes – We can’t control all the factors that contribute to diabetes, but we can control our lifestyle and work on our emotional wellbeing. You can find tips at Diabetes UK and The Association of UK Dietitians. The NHS have also launched healthy living for people with type 2 diabetes.

Talk to others – Receiving a diagnosis can feel lonely, and you may feel isolation in that others around you don’t understand what you are going through. Talking to others about how we feel can help us to feel less alone. It can also aid us in processing our own thoughts and emotions. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to those around you, the Samaritans offer a free 24/7 listening service which you can contact by calling 116 123. Diabetes UK also run their own helpline.

Leverage peer and community support – Whether it’s online or groups local to you, talking and sharing our experiences can provide much needed support. Diabetes UK include links to local support groups in the UK, an online forum, and peer support groups.

If you are struggling to cope, whether physically or emotionally, consider making an appointment with your GP who can further advise. Don’t feel that you have to manage this on your own.