Receiving a diagnosis of prediabetes or diabetes can bring up a mix of emotions—fear, confusion, and uncertainty about what comes next. If you’ve found yourself searching for answers to questions like “what to do if I have prediabetes” or “I have diabetes now what,” know that you’re not alone. This is the beginning of a new chapter, and with the right tools and mindset, you can take charge of your health and thrive.
What to Do If I Have Prediabetes
If you’ve been told you have prediabetes, it means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. While this may feel overwhelming, the good news is that prediabetes is reversible with the right steps.
Step 1: Understand Your Diagnosis
The first step in answering what to do if I have prediabetes is understanding that this is a warning sign—and an opportunity to take action before diabetes develops. Small, consistent changes can have a big impact on your long-term health.
Step 2: Build a Support System
Managing prediabetes doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Consider:
- Talking to a healthcare provider about your risk factors.
- Working with a registered dietitian to create a personalized meal plan.
- Joining a lifestyle change program like the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP), which provides structured support to help you adopt healthier habits.
Step 3: Make Lifestyle Changes
To lower your blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, focus on:
- Nutrition: Eat more whole foods, reduce added sugars, and prioritize balanced meals.
- Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly, such as walking, swimming, or dancing.
- Sleep and Stress Management: Quality sleep and stress reduction techniques like mindfulness can also help.
Step 4: Use Local Maryland Resources
If you’re still wondering, “what to do if I have prediabetes,” Maryland offers support groups and specialized diabetes education programs. Visit our Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Services page to explore local programs that can help you stay on track with your health goals.
I Have Diabetes—Now What?
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, you might be asking, “I have diabetes, now what?” While it may feel overwhelming at first, managing diabetes is possible with the right approach.
Step 1: Learn About Diabetes
Understanding how diabetes affects your body is crucial to managing it successfully. Diabetes education programs can help you navigate daily care, blood sugar monitoring, and medication management.
Step 2: Build a Care Team
You don’t have to do this alone. A support system can include:
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- A primary care provider or endocrinologist for medical guidance.
- A registered dietitian to help with meal planning.
- A diabetes educator to teach you how to manage your condition confidently.
Step 3: Manage Your Health with Lifestyle and Medication
Many of the lifestyle changes that help with prediabetes also apply to diabetes, but if you have diabetes, you may also need to:
- Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.
- Take medications or insulin as prescribed.
- Work with your provider to set personalized health goals.
Step 4: Access Local Maryland Resources
For those with diabetes asking, “I have diabetes, now what?” Maryland offers:
- Support groups to connect with others managing diabetes.
- Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) programs, which provide expert guidance on living well with diabetes.
Reframing Your Diagnosis
Whether you’re wondering “what to do if I have prediabetes” or “I have diabetes, now what,” remember that a diagnosis doesn’t define you. It’s an opportunity to take control of your health and build a lifestyle that supports your well-being.
Taking the first step might feel daunting, but every small change brings you closer to a healthier future.
Get Started Today
If you are a Southern Maryland resident interested in improving your health through weight loss, better nutrition, and increased physical activity, click here to learn more about the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) and pre-register for a class today.
If you are a community-based organization interested in partnering with TLC-MD, contact us.
Additional Resources
- Contact TLC-MD for help connecting to DSMES services near you.
- Watch these videos: What is a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist; 4 Key Times to See a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist; ADCES7 Self-Care Behaviors; DSMES.
- Visit the American Diabetes Association for more information.
Find additional resources at the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists.
