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Glucose level chart with very low and high numbers. Hands are trying to poke, push, and pull the graph line to try to get numbers within desired range. Behind the graph is a big stressed out pair of eyes watching. Diabetes control.

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!

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