Dealing With Type 2 Diabetes Progression

Dealing with a new type 2 diabetes diagnosis is frustrating, scary, and confusing. Dealing with the progression of diabetes can also evoke all of those feelings. And for valid reasons! In many cases, even with solid diet and exercise habits in place, people still experience harder-to-control blood sugar levels and complications over time. You feel like you have put in all the right effort and adopted healthy habits only to be forced to start drugs or insulin, or higher or more frequent dosing. While the rate of diabetes progression is different for everyone, many of our community members have similar stories and frustrations.

Many of our type 2 diabetes advocates have written over the years about progression. These writers have shared how difficult it can be to manage treatment and lifestyle, especially as their bodies' needs change over time. Here are a few articles to help you or a loved one struggling with the progression of diabetes.

Overall progression of type 2 diabetes

• My Mental Readiness for Insulin: Switching to insulin for type 2 diabetes management can seem like a big step. Shelley shares her experience discussing the topic with 3 different healthcare providers and how she finally came to her decision to try it.
• My Experience With Trulicity: Chris shares his experience with Trulicity, from the day-to-day dosing and administration of the medication to the effect it had on his A1C.
• Coping With Negative Progress: It can be extremely frustrating to get your test results back just to have no change or a negative change in your A1C level. Chris shares tips on how to shift your mindset and keep moving forward.
• Changing Perspectives on Diabetes: Self-reflection is important in diabetes management. If you are not where you want to be, Liz shares tips for creating a positive perspective and improving your mood and health.

Type 2 diabetes treatment decisions

• Disagreement With the Plan: What do you do when you disagree with your doctor's treatment plan? Shelley shares why it is important to have a voice in your treatment plan and whose second opinion she considered.
• Blood Sugar Monitoring Dictated By Health Insurance Rules and Cost: Phyllisa shares her frustration having to choose between testing her blood sugar as much as she would like and staying within the financial constraints of her insurance.
• The Flexibility of Newer Insulins: This article covers why newer forms of insulin may be a better, more flexible fit for your lifestyle. But they come with a catch – they are costly!

Living with type 2 diabetes complications

• Cataract Surgery and Type 2 Diabetes: Corinna shares about her cataract development, surgery, and recovery.
• It Is Okay to Grieve in Diabetes: Grieving your old life and old normal may help you accept your diabetes diagnosis and make progress. Unfortunately, mental and emotional struggles are part of living with diabetes, too.
• Muscle and Joint Complications of Diabetes: These types of complications are not discussed often in the type 2 diabetes community. Read about everything from carpal tunnel syndrome to frozen shoulder.
• Diabetes and the Risk of Gout: Christopher breaks down the definition of gout, its causes and risk factors, and what you can do if you have flare-ups.
• Can You Develop Complications Even When Diabetes Is Well Controlled?: Well-managed diabetes can significantly reduce your risk of complications, but it does not eliminate risk. Here are a few things to keep an eye out for.
• Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Causing My Itch?: This article discusses common skin issues associated with type 2 diabetes and tips on getting some relief.