Diabetes Health Center

continued...

Take medicines, if you need them

If you're taking type 2 diabetes medicine or insulin, you will need to know how to deal with low blood sugar and how to give yourself an insulin shot. For help, see:

Diabetes: Dealing With Low Blood Sugar From Insulin.

Diabetes: Dealing With Low Blood Sugar From Medicines.

Diabetes: Giving Yourself an Insulin Shot.

Living and coping

Trying to manage your type 2 diabetes isn't easy. Some days you may feel like it's just too much work to do everything you need to do. There will be times when you just don't feel like testing and tracking your blood sugar.

It's normal to feel sad or even angry sometimes when you have a health problem. Even though you've had a while to get used to the idea of having type 2 diabetes, you may still have trouble adjusting. You may find it hard to stay motivated.

When you feel sad, give yourself time to grieve your losses. If you feel overwhelmed, just try to focus on one day at a time. Do the best you can. You don't have to be perfect.

For more help, see:

Depression: Using Positive Thinking.

Get the support you need

If you're having trouble coping with your feelings, try talking with a counselor. A professional may make it easier to say things you wouldn't talk about with friends or family.

If you have symptoms of depression, such as a lack of interest in things you used to enjoy, a lack of energy, or trouble sleeping, talk with your doctor. For more help, see the topic Depression.

You might also want to:

• Talk with friends and family about how you feel and any help you need.
• Ask a friend or family member to come to counseling with you.
• Talk to your spiritual adviser if you belong to a church or spiritual group. He or she will have experience helping people deal with their feelings.
• Join a support group. You can find one through your doctor, your local hospital, or the American Diabetes Association.

Taking care of yourself in other ways

Be aware of other things you can do to help yourself stay healthy.

• Wear medical identification at all times. You can buy medical identification such as bracelets , necklaces, or other kinds of jewelry at your local drugstore.
• Be careful when you are driving.
• Be prepared so that you can prevent problems while you are traveling.
• Get a flu vaccine every year. When you have the flu, it can be harder to manage your blood sugar. It's a good idea to get a vaccine for pneumonia too. You may only need this vaccine once.