Introduction
So you have diabetes
Whether you are newly diagnosed, or you have had diabetes for a number of years, you may have asked yourself "does it matter if I don't manage my diabetes?". The answer is yes, it can only get progressively worse. You may still be under the illusion that diabetes is a mild disease not realising the damage it cause to your arteries as a result of the high sugar levels in your blood.
If you have any doubts about this read My story. The complications I now have are a result of 30 years of mismanagement of my diabetes due to lack of knowledge of the disease, but in the last 5 years I have gained the knowledge about how to look after my diabetes and myself. Now that I am in control I have slowed down the progression of diabetes.
I would like to be able to tell you that there is a magic pill or potion to successfully change the outcome of diabetes. Well, if there is I haven't found it. This is why I have designed this web site to give you a step by step approach toward gaining knowledge in a similar way that I needed to in order to manage my diabetes. I hope it will help you to self manage your diabetes.
What can you do? Call a friend --- Your Diabetes Care Team
I used to think that going to my doctor felt like walking into elementary school - someone else had all the answers and I didn't even know what the questions were supposed to be.
Good diabetes management requires a special kind of patient-doctor relationship with someone that you trust and can communicate with. You will also be meeting a selection of other medical personnel along your diabetes care plan journey as part of your Diabetes Care Team. Get to know them. Review your priorities with them to find the best way to fit the changes into your lifestyle. If you have a problem talking to them there are some hints in the How to Talk to your doctor section.
You are not alone - A Problem Shared Is a Problem Solved
This web-site gives you the ability to communicate with the diabetic community for advice and guidance, through the site's Chat Room, Bulletin Board, Diabetic Groups, Links and also links to other web sites such as Diabetes UK. All of these facilities are available to help you find answers to your particular needs and choices.
What has to be done?
If you are able to see that the future of your health is in your own hands then this web site will give you the vision, knowledge and skills to maintain it. Many people know they need to change behaviour but don't know how to go about it. It is with this in mind that the small step approach is the basic thinking of this web site, backed with professional advice and support on why and how to change.
Next - My Story
