Hi, I do see patients who are newly diagnosed with diabetes in my clinic. Most have had health screening tests done and finding that they now have diabetes when they did not feel unwell is a bit of a shock.

Others went for screening as they felt unwell with symptoms of thirst, increase urination and weight loss and to know the diagnosis and to be able to start on treatment can be a relief to them.

But most patients will need time to adjust to having diabetes as a chronic condition as it does mean changes to their diet and lifestyle and having to take medications as well. 

It does help when I take time to walk through what diabetes is and  what to expect in the treatment, because being uncertain and fearful about what to expect is very stressful. Giving them practical tips about how to manage their diet and exercise, adjusting their medications and encouraging them throughout helps to keep them on track.

They tend to do well with the treatment plan if they get the encouragement they need both from their family and from their health care team.