Every year, 1.4 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes.1 Receiving that diagnosis for the first time can understandably bring distress, shock and confusion. People newly diagnosed with diabetes also often feel alone as they begin their journeys to manage diabetes and figure out how to gain control over their health.
Healthcare providers are a key source of answers to many questions around how to cope with a diagnosis of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, particularly regarding the use of medication, recommendations for diet and exercise, as well as how to monitor glucose levels. It can be challenging to adjust to all the new prescriptions, routines, and challenges at once.
You’re Not Alone
That’s why when the diabetes management journey begins, some of the most helpful coping tips can come from those who have already been through the experience. Learning from others’ struggles and successes can inspire and bring comfort to those who have just been diagnosed . Having that sense of fellowship from the diabetes community makes a big difference, especially early in the journey. Dexcom Warriors offer that support, and more. They come from all walks of life, have years of experience managing diabetes and offer wisdom only the experienced can offer to help the newly diagnosed begin their journeys successfully.
Every November, Dexcom and the diabetes community come together to mark National Diabetes Awareness Month and World Diabetes Day on Nov. 14. Through the #SeeDiabetes campaign, we look to show the world why expanding access to CGM is so important for all people living with diabetes. The campaign shares real stories about the emotional highs and lows of living with diabetes through a first-of-its-kind portrait gallery featuring images of people with diabetes. Warriors share how they felt when they were first diagnosed, what being part of the diabetes community means to them and how technology like Dexcom has improved their lives.
By sharing their strength and resilience, they show those with diabetes they are not alone. While we gathered the Warriors together to take their portraits and hear their stories, we asked them their advice for people newly diagnosed with diabetes.
Beginning the diabetes journey
What were the challenges and frustrations you feltwhen first learning how to best manage your diabetes?
Warrior Qiana D., who has lived with diabetes for 22 years, said it’s a deeply personal endeavor that takes a bit of experimentation.
“Diabetes management is individualized, so expect to engage in massive trial and error because what works for one person does not work for everyone,” she said. “And give yourself some grace on the journey. You’ll figure it out over time.”
For Warrior Steven C., who has had diabetes for 19 years, taking it one day at a time has proved to be the best strategy.
“We are all living one shot, prick, juice box at a time,” he said. “It’s OK to have a bad day, just do your best to understand your body and how certain foods or exercises may affect you. If you are struggling, seek help! Do not let the confusion or your frustrations keep you down too long.
Warrior Dean G., diagnosed 61 years ago, has concentrated on mastering the numbers game.
“While living with diabetes isn’t easy, it’s so worth the effort to manage your glucose levels, blood pressure and lipids.*
Embrace technology for diabetes management
People newly diagnosed with diabetes today have one advantage those in the past did not – technology. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems, like Dexcom G7, offer real-time data to empower those with diabetes to stay on top of their levels in a way that was almost unimaginable just a generation ago. We asked them what impact Dexcom CGM has had on their lives.
Dexcom Warrior and staff member Dr. Thomas Grace runs a diabetes clinic, where he combines his medical expertise with empathy from having lived with Type 1 diabetes himself for 38 years. Every day, he sees the difference technology makes and recommends CGM to all of his patients with diabetes.
“Get a Dexcom CGM — it makes everything else WAY easier,” he said
For Warrior Harrel C., who was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes 16 years ago, combining his Dexcom with proper diet has been the secret sauce to sound management.
“Get a CGM as soon as possible and start experimenting with dierent foods to see what they do to your numbers, because the way you are going to thrive with diabetes is by understanding how to still find all the joys that bring you happiness,” he said. “And understand that diabetes does not define your life. You can live with it. You can thrive with it. And in taking control, you can take your life to another level.”
Build a support system
We asked the Warriors what having support from friends, family and technology means to them. Almost universally, the Warriors emphasized the need and benefits of finding support through the diabetes community. They believe managing diabetes, especially when new to the game, has to be a team effort.
Warrior Amy H., who has lived with diabetes for five years, said: “One piece of advice I’d give to someone newly diagnosed is that it is important to have a strong support system. Surround yourself with friends, family, or other people with diabetes who understand your condition and can offer emotional support.”
Warrior Bambi N.B., who was diagnosed 20 years ago, said asking for help was one of the most important things she did after diagnosis.
“You are not alone, so don’t try to do it all alone,” she said. “Put your hand up, ask for help, you don’t need to be perfect, you just need to be safe. After all, the sun will rise again tomorrow, so just keep doing the best you can and acknowledge the wins!”
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Charlotte D. found strength and support in her “diabuddies,” who have been there throughout her three-year diabetes journey to offer advice and encouragement.
“Whether it’s through attending an event with a diabetes foundation or searching on social media to find your people, seek out your support system,” she said. “The best thing I ever did was share my story and struggles with my diagnosis on social media. The outpouring of support was exactly what I needed, and I made friends with people who help me laugh on the hard days and celebrate the little wins.”
Our Warriors have been through the highs and lows to find what works best for them as they continue to thrive in their diabetes journeys. Their wisdom is a testament to perseverance, and how tapping into a community offers hope, encouragement and comfort in the face of a new diagnosis.
Get started on Dexcom G7
If you are living with diabetes and are on Medicare, talk to your doctor about Dexcom G7. We can help you get started with a free benefits check. Click the button below to send us some basic information.
*Dexcom, Data on File, 2022 (T1 Aspirations & Physical Activity research, dQ&A Market Research Inc., September 2022) †Separate Dexcom Follow app and internet connection required. Users should always confirm readings on the Dexcom [G6 or G7] app or receiver before making treatment decisions. Smart devices sold separately. For a list of compatible devices, visit dexcom.com/compatibility.
1 American Diabetes Association. Statistics About Diabetes. https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/statistics/about- diabetes
BRIEF SAFETY STATEMENT: Failure to use the Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring System and its components according to the instructions for use provided with your device and available at https://www.dexcom.com/safety-information and to properly consider all indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and cautions in those instructions for use may result in you missing a severe hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) occurrence and/or making a treatment decision that may result in injury. If your glucose alerts and readings from the Dexcom CGM do not match symptoms, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions. Seek medical advice and attention when appropriate, including for any medical emergency.