Let us help get you started.
Before we do, just take a deep breath.
It can all be overwhelming, we know. But, by the time you finish reading this page you’re going to feel a whole lot better and clearer about what to do next.
Because there is a lot to learn, we are going to keep it simple and only give you what you need to get started.
As you go through our info, feel free to leave your comments and questions on any page on our site and we’ll respond. We’re always here to lend a hand. 🙂
Ready to begin?
Don’t Panic – it’s not the end of the world
Yep, we’re going to say it again, but it’s true.
Here’s the thing: You have diabetes, it doesn’t have you. It’s not a death sentence if you make a few life choices – and we’ll show you what to do.
Don’t get scared, it won’t accomplish anything.
We can assure you…
Life will be normal again, just a slightly new normal.
Know Your Numbers – your life does depends on it
Seriously, your life depends on you checking your blood sugars.
The numbers don’t lie so you can’t claim denial – and let’s face it, we all like to be in denial, it’s easier.
But, it won’t help you. So, love yourself enough to take care of yourself and report your true numbers to your doctor and healthcare team often. Get involved in your own journey!
The most important thing is to know the right numbers.
Get 140/ 7.8 stuck firmly in your mind. You want to keep your numbers below this all the time. The longer you stay above these numbers, the more risk you have of complications.
Click Here to read more about the right numbers and grab our charts
Check your blood sugars often. We’ll say it again, the numbers don’t lie and it really helps you understand your body more.
Click Here to read more about our recommended blood testing routine
Don’t Always Believe Your Doctor or Dietitian – they are not God
You do need to get the help of a doctor or healthcare team, so we’re definitely not saying ignore them. BUT be wary, many of them don’t know that much – or they keep beating an old bat up the wall – meaning they are giving you outdated information – harping on about stuff that simply does not work.
Here at Diabetes Meal Plans, we share the latest science, stuff that really works.
There is A LOT of misinformation, outdated information, and just plain bad information.
Just keep this in mind as you look around and gather info. Read a lot, and make sure the info is from good reliable sources.
CLICK HERE to read more about 4 frustrating things about the diabetes industry
It’s ALL About Carbs – become a carb pro and your problems will be solved!
The thing that influences blood sugar and A1C levels the most is carbohydrate foods.
You eat carbs, your numbers will go up – simple as that!
The amount of carbs you eat is important, and of course, it does depend on the type of carbs you eat, too.
To help make the whole carb thing easier so you really can become a carb pro – we’ve put together a 30 Day Turnaround Program™ – and we’d recommend it as a great place to start.
That should get you headed in the right direction. 🙂
If you have questions, just leave them below or on any pages you come by. We always respond and are here to provide support.
Your health is your wealth.
medl
I am newly diagnosed T2. I am also very high risk for breast cancer (mother and sister are breast cancer survivors). I have been on arimidex 4+ years of the 5-yr standard protocol to prevent breast cancer. That drug impacts hormones and so has lots of side effects. Would one of those side effects be a tendency for high blood sugar? Or are the two problems unrelated?
Jedha
Medications can certainly influence blood sugar levels though it’s unlikely the medications would be the cause of your diagnosis, if that’s what you’re asking. The best person to ask questions about the meds side effects is your doctor or endocrinologist.
Deborah ONeil
Hi, I’m new to diabetes and the site. I joined yesterday and received the freebie pack. Thank you, it’s very informative and the tracking chart is definitely useful. I’m still a bit overwhelmed but I’m doing a lot of research and becoming more confident that I can successfully manage and possibly reverse this condition. In May, my tests results were FBS 183 and A1C 7.7. I’m now on Januvia100 for the past 8 days as I had a bad reaction to Janumed which I took for 5 days. I follow a strict low carb diet and I think my numbers are improving. My FBS ranges between 130-121 and my highest PP was147.I have peripheral neuropathy from prior diagnosis years ago,and
sciatica, so strenuous exercise is not on the cards for me. Additionally, the complaint that I initially visited the doctor for has not been addressed as I freaked out when the diabetes results came. I have severe fatigue and pain in my muscles sometimes accompanied by profuse sweating and breathlessness. Now that my numbers are down a bit, I’m hoping my doc will focus on my symptoms when I visit tomorrow. It is somewhat depressing.
Thank you for allowing me to share/vent. I know that with your help I’ll continue to improve.
Jedha
Welcome Deborah! Keep on going and those numbers will keep improving. As for exercise, strenuous activity is not needed, just do what you can – walking, swimming, etc. Fatigue and muscle pain can be related to magnesium deficiency, B12 (esp. fatigue), and other things too of course. Hope you get to the bottom of that because it sounds awful. Best of luck!
Deborah
Thank you, Jedha, for your warm welcome! I have been considering magnesium, but I’m not sure which type I should get. Yesterday my doc recommended zinc which I have not started as yet. Do you have any information on the type of magnesium I should use? I would appreciate your advice.
Jedha
There is some great info on magnesium over here Deborah. If you scroll down it lists the best forms to look out for.
Kathy
6 months ago my level was 6.1. Now it’s 7.5 I really need to figure this out. I am so happy to have found this site I know I need to move more but this past weekend I fell and hurt my knee so 10000 steps are out right now wondering if chair excersises will help at this point. I have apple shape and need to lose belly fat . I don’t have to stick myself yet so when I go back to doctor I would like to drop 18 pounds to meet 10 % body weight Thanks for listening any help will be appreciated.
Jedha
Sorry to hear you fell Kathy. Wait until your knee is better then you can get back into some activity. As for weight loss, check out this info and this info. Really, most of the info on our site can help you reach your goals. So glad you’re here. 🙂
Debbie
Jedha,
I was diagnosed with pre diabetes (6.0) Dec 28 2016. I was told I could attend a class if I wanted to know more about Diabetes and I did. They told me to watch my carbs to keep them at 30-45 per meal , 15 per snack. I was also given a food chart that I could eat from. I started walking more and I have lost 24.4 lbs. I took my first A1c test after being told, this past Friday. Today my results came in at 5.9. I was in tears. I thought with the weight loss and different eating it would be more of a move in numbers. The doctor told me she wants to see me back in four months. I followed all of their rules. How long does it take to see a great change? I also took Berberine , its suppose to help with Blood sugar. Please help me, I am so disappointment and depressed right now.
Debbie
Jedha
Oh, sorry to hear this Debbie but unfortunately this is something we hear a lot — and the problem is following “their” rules — because they clearly do not work! Weight loss alone does not lower blood sugar or A1c. It’s so frustrating that they are still teaching this stuff because it’s so outdated.
Don’t get depressed because you can get it lower and see a great change but you’ll need to make more changes. Watching carbs is right but 30-45 per meal plus 15 per snack is TOO MUCH. Let’s say you were eating 45 per meal, plus 2 snacks, that’s 165 grams carbs per day. We encourage about half that, or at least under 120 grams per day to start – see our carb recommendations here.
And you can’t just eat all foods in moderation, this is a myth. You must cut the high carb foods – potatoes, pasta, bread, rice, crackers etc, and eat lower carb alternatives. Here is our food list to work from and this may help too.
Here’s one important thing to understand, your A1c test is a direct reflection of how much glucose is in your blood from the previous 3 months. So in simpler terms – an average of all the carbs you’ve eaten. The total amount of carbs you eat determines your numbers. And other factors that help are exercise, sleep and stress.
Get back to work and you’ll see those numbers come down in 4 months Debbie. Best of luck and keep in touch to let us know how you go.
Candace
hello, I am being treated as a prediabetic. My HGBA1C was initially 5.8 we rechecked it in 6 weeks and it was 6.2. I was placed on Metformin and I’m to go have my blood redrawn in 4 weeks. I am at my biggest at this time in my life and I am aware that if I change my lifestyle and lose the weight I can come off of my metformin. So I’m looking for help with diet plans that are actually easy to do. I work full time and am a single mother of two, so I need something doable.
Jedha
Hi Candace,
Well the good news is you’re in the perfect position to reverse the prediabetes and get your health on track. We have lots of free weekly info in our newsletters and you can check out our meal plans, menus and programs here.
Roberta
You are the first site that has information that makes sense. Thank you for being here!!
Jedha
Glad you’re here Roberta!
Debbie
I’ve read that once you get put on medication for type 2 Diabetes you can never get off of it. Is that true?
Jedha
Hi Debbie, no it is not necessarily true. Many people do get off meds, look at this case study as just one example. 20 years as a diabetic and he still gets off meds. It may take a bit of work but it is possible.
Jay
Hello, you stated above that Diabetes range is 140/7.8. I was told diabetes with an A1C is 6.8. Is this true?
Jedha
Jay, those numbers are top level blood glucose numbers 140 mg/dl or 7.8 mmol/l. You want to keep your bloods under those levels at all times, or work toward achieving that. A1C is different, the normal range is 4-6% but for a diabetic 6.5-7% is a good target to aim for – if you can get it to the normal range, even better. If it’s above 6.5 a person would be considered diabetic.
Read more about A1C here. Read more about diagnostic tests here.
Sarita
I think I am getting ahead of my self. Blood test a few weeks ago had me at 6.1 which said high on my blood sugar. I go for my follow up tomorrow with my doctor. I’m scared she will put me on meds. I’ve been taking Lipitor for cholesterol for a few years and I know this causes diabetes. I’ve been feeling dizzy for the past few weeks. I am scared.
Jedha
Wait to see what the doctor says before panicking. It could be the stress making you feel anxious.