What is it really like to live with Diabetes Type 2?

Doesn't look like anyone wants to answer, so I'll start.  It's like having another full time job.  You always have to be aware of what to eat and when.  You can never eat without thinking again.  Grocery shopping is a whole different game now.  The first few times I did it after dx was horrible and I came home with a headache after reading all those labels.

  Don't leave the house without your kit, make sure you have some decent snacks with you because most vending machines don't have diabetic friendly choices; if you use insulin, remember to take it with you.  Always carry a jug of liquid with you.  Don't forget the sugar tabs in case you go hypo.

If I go on. I'm going to get really negative right now and I'm already in a bad mood today.

Diabetes can be scary at first, and frustrating and depressing. but once you learn the ropes(if you care to) and get a routine, it gets easier.  It's still a pain in the butt, but you adjust.  Life changes and we go on.

@suecsdy‍, I agree with you on almost everything! I have learned to deal with living with diabetes the best I can and continue to find little ways to make life easier. I will agree that when going on a trip or leaving the house, I always make sure I have my insulin with me and my blood glucose tester. 

I also tend to not eat out as much as I used to. I find that it is easier for me to have the comfort that I know what I am putting into my food, more or less how my blood glucose will react, and that I able to easily monitor my glucose levels by being at home. 

However, with that being said, when I do eat out, I try to time it well. I try to time it around my insulin. In addition, I try to make sure I eat at certain times each day, even if it is a certain snack. this helps also keep my glucose levels in check.

I see it not as a pain, since I have seen pain, but as a nuisance that is with me all day and as something I have to monitor for the rest of my life.

I have had diabetes for over 5 years and while living with diabetes isn't the greatest, I am here to bring hope to all those that are recently diagnosed. It is a journey, but once you get it down you are good to go! I remember not having it. The first few years were the most difficult because I had to adapt to a new way of life: thinking about what I will or not eat, measuring my blood glucose, the constant pin pricks, etc. However, after a few years everything becomes much simpler and instead of feeling like you are carrying a rock around every day as I did in the begining, I know feel like I am carrying around a planner that gets lighter every day!

I am struggling with all the new rules in my life now.  Do this,  don't do this,  poke here,  take this. .. If I eat one carb it seems as if my bs skyrocketsbso I cut all sugar and carbs out of diet now bs is to low.  Can't  find a happy medium.  Frustrated. 

 @MissMolly‍ how long have you been diagnosed diabetic?

It is frustrating in the beginning but it gets easier and bearable as time goes on. Try to stay away from most processed foods and focus on more complex carbs and or natural foods.

Here to help @MissMolly‍ 

I am 68, male, with prediabetes. I exercise at a local facility at least an hour per day, six days a week. My BG readings are normal whenever I take them during the day, but raise up overnight. What can I eat/do before bed to stop this? I am not on any meds, and don't want to begin. This morning my BG was 131. 

Thanks in advance for your help and comments!

My name is Julie. I am 49 and was diagnosed with diabetes since July 2 of this year. I have been doing my best to eat the foods my doctor suggested on the Diabetes 2 Food plan. I had some trouble using the diabetes monitor to prick your finger. Hopefully, that will get easier. I am taking this whole thing a day at a time and trying to stay away from sugary foods. I am glad to have found this website so I can talk to people with the same condition.

Hello friends. I do not have diabetes but my husband has recently been diagnosed. I'm scared. I'm confused and just so overwelmed. Where do i begin to help him. I just want him to be ok. 

 My name is Kay,

I've been diagnosed for the last few years now and it has been hard. It rubs in my family and I have seen the complications from it. So many times I go thru different stages. One minute I care..I try to stay consistant, but then I get exhausted and discouraged and give up. I feel the ones around me don't understand ans I find myself over explaining something I myself am trying to figure out. I fear going in for my next a1c test..the last one was 6.9 and my doctor at that time stressed me out. I have lost 27 pounds in the last year and started back working out but I am fighting to stay on the wago and it doesn't seem to be working. It is so crazy because I know better...but it is hard to stay on the right path. I need support and to talk to others like me. Because I feel really alone in this battle.☹

@Kaygee‍ thank you for sharing your story and keep up the good fight.  It is true, those who do not suffer from what one suffers have difficulty empathizing, no matter how hard they try.

I hope you find comfort and support here. Keep trying to workout and doing the good things.

Feel free to reach out to me at any time, and/or create discussions, and engage in the community.