Anytime someone is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, they can go through a range of emotions. After being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, you might have several reactions. In fact, your emotions can change on a day-to-day, or even a minute to minute basis. It's normal to go through a wide range of emotions but as long as you know how to recognize and deal with the stress, you will be able to handle it and get past it.

The constant and numerous demands of diabetes add more sources of stress. Concerns about diabetes add more sources of stress. Concerns about receiving a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, as well as the day-to-day management

Stress... real or imagined... can pose serious health problems for anyone with or without diabetes. Concerns about diabetes, as well as the day-to-day management of it, can add yet another layer of stress. These are some conditions and situations that tend to trigger stress for people with diabetes:
    * the discipline and vigilance required for the control of blood sugar,
    * feeling deprived of your favorite foods,
    * feeling isolated from your family,
    * fear of developing diabetic complications,
    * the cost of caring for your diabetes, and
    * lack of knowledge about diabetes care.

Here are some of the feelings you may experience after being diagnosed with diabetes:

1. Anger: It's easy to become angry when you look around you and see all of these people who seem to be going about their lives without issue. The real truth is that we don't know what's going on in anyone else's life or body. Even though you see people walking around at the store who seem to be able to eat an ice cream cone without a problem, you don't know what their health is like or what other issues might be plaguing them in their lives. You have to get past the anger as it only serves to make your health situation worse. Instead, focus the anger on making major changes to your lifestyle, including diet and exercise, so that you can get better or even reverse the condition.

2. Loss: It's very common to experience a sense of loss when you're diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. You feel like your life may be shortened due to diabetic complications. You also feel like you have to change so many things about the way you eat that you'll never be able to live a completely normal life again. There are millions of people around the world who suffer from diabetes and live completely normal lives. Your life may change, but ultimately it will lead you to a healthier body if you make lifestyle modifications.

3. Shock: It's normal for us to feel like we are invincible. Many people are completely shocked when they receive their diagnosis of diabetes. You may have felt perfectly fine and found out during a routine doctor's examination. No matter what, it's important to accept the fact that you have Type 2 diabetes and not stick your head in the sand. The longer you put off making lifestyle changes, the more the high blood sugar levels can affect your body and cause complications.

There are many other emotions you may experience when you are diagnosed with diabetes: they include disbelief, fear and stress. Emotions are normal and healthy as long as they aren't taken too far. Don't live or wallow in these emotions for too long because it's important to take action to regain your health quickly.

By Beverleigh H Piepers