The (Nearly) Guilt-free Guide to Understanding Your Type 2 Diabetes

Hello. This is Cindy McGee. I am an RN and a diabetes educator who has been helping people understand diabetes for over 25 years.

I’m writing this blog in a relaxed, conversational tone. I’ll be “speaking to you” as if you were sitting in one of my classes alongside others who are also wanting to understand their type 2 diabetes.

I won’t be telling you how to treat your diabetes. Managing your diabetes takes a team. You and your primary care provider are the co-captains.

However, I will be sharing the American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Care. With this document as my primary reference, we’ll discuss options regarding

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• Eating Well: making healthy choices, counting carbs, meal planning, DASH diet, the plate method

• Moving More: value of exercise, getting started, staying safe, types of activities to try

• Taking Medications: what’s available, making medication choices with your team, possible side effects and precautions

• Coping: dealing with diabetes distress, anxiety, depression

• Caring for Yourself Head-to-Toe: avoiding long-term complications

• Dealing with Special Circumstances: low blood sugars, extremely high blood sugars, sick days, hospitalizations

• Using Technology: meters, pens, pumps, and continuous glucose monitoring devices (CGM)

As you can see, there’s a lot to learn. So, I’m glad you’ve joined the class!