Navigating a New Life

By AnnaOfAquitaine

1 min read

For many years, I was too busy to take care of myself. When I received the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, I was horrified. I felt so many emotions: anger at myself, fear of the future, grief over my aging body. I realized it was time for me to truly take care of myself.

I've been doing quite a bit of reading about T2 & at times, I feel overwhelmed by it all. I've decided to start with small changes, such as joining this website & connecting with others. I don't want to go through this alone.

I often have to remind myself that life is a journey and there are many lessons to be learned. Learning to live with this disease is one of them. I have nothing to be ashamed of. T2 does not make me any less of a warm, kind-hearted, generous human being. If anything, this diagnosis taught me that I need to be kind to myself, too.

Want to share your story too?

Share with the community

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Type2Diabetes.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

minelcannucciari Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="AnnaOfAquitaine" user-id="4732226"/>, welcome to the community and thanks for being willing to share your story with us! I think a lot of people in the community can relate to the varied emotions experienced after a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, but I love the learning of being kind to oneself. Have you ever heard of the book Atomic Habits? I really enjoyed that book and that was all about small changes that can eventually make a big impact. When were you diagnosed? Welcome again and I hope you're able to find it to be a helpful and supportive community! Please feel free to introduce yourself in our forums: <a href='https://type2diabetes.com/forums/introductions' target='_blank'>https://type2diabetes.com/forums/introductions</a> 🎉 Warmly, Minel (Team Member)
1. AnnaOfAquitaine Member
 <inline-mention username="minelcannucciari" user-id="3594744"/> I was diagnosed in April 2022. Atomic Habits sounds interesting! I'll definitely check my local library.
Diane Talbert Moderator & Contributor
Hello, <inline-mention username="AnnaOfAquitaine" user-id="4732226"/>, Thanks for sharing such a great article with us. I was in the same boat as you. I was horrified at the diagnosis. My mom passed at 37 with T2D. I knew I had to do better. The book Atomic Habits is a good read. It kind of tells you how to get rid of those bad habits and pick up good ones. You take baby steps. We are all in this together. Diane (Team Member)
Lori.Foster Community Admin
Hi ! It has been quite a long time since you shared this story. I just wondered how you are doing now. Are those small changes adding up. Are you still being kind to yourself? A diagnosis can be so overwhelming. I hope maintaining your blood sugar levels is getting easier now. Gentle hugs. - Lori (Team Member)
AnnaOfAquitaine Member
Hi Lori! I'm doing great, thanks to exercising (Petra Genco YT channel aimed at pre and post menopausal women) and healthy eating. I've lost a good chunk of my menopausal weight gain and my levels are nearly normal!
1. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 That's so good to hear, <inline-mention username="AnnaOfAquitaine" user-id="4732226"/>! I am not familiar with that channel, but I will check it out. Congratuations on the weight loss and the blood sugar success. Thanks so much for the update! Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member)

Community Poll

How confident are you that you know all the ways you can spend health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA) funds?