Living With Type 2 Diabetes

People with type 2 diabetes have to pay a little more attention to what they're eating and doing than people who don't have diabetes. They may need to:
eat a balanced diet
get regular physical activity
take insulin or other medicines that help the body use insulin more effectively
check their blood sugar levels on a regular basis
get treatment for other health problems that can happen more often in people with type 2 diabetes, like high blood pressure or problems with the levels of fats in their blood
have regular checkups with doctors and other people on their diabetes health care team so they can stay healthy and get treatment for any diabetes problems
People with type 2 diabetes might have to eat smaller food portions and less salt or fat, too. People who eat healthy foods, stay active, and get to a healthy weight may bring their blood sugar levels into a healthier range. Their doctors may even say they don't need to take any medicines at all.
Sometimes people who have diabetes feel different from their friends because they need to think about how they eat and how to control their blood sugar levels every day. And some people with diabetes want to deny that they even have it. They might hope that if they ignore diabetes, it will just go away. They may feel angry, depressed, helpless, or that their parents are constantly in their faces about their diabetes management.
If you've been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it's normal to feel like your world has been turned upside down. Fortunately, your diabetes care team is there to provide answers and support. Don't hesitate to ask your doctors, dietitian, and other treatment professionals for advice and tips. There are also support groups where you can talk about your feelings and find out how other people cope with the disease.
Diabetes brings challenges, of course. But people with diabetes play sports, travel, date, go to school, and work just like their friends. There are thousands of teens with diabetes, all learning to handle the same challenges.