Diagnosing Diabetes? Don’t Skip These 3 Crucial Conversations

Getting diagnosed with any type of diabetes sucks. It can be jarring, overwhelming, emotional and comes with a steep learning curve. 

In this moment, you, as a healthcare provider, are sitting across from someone thinking things like:

• How long do I have left to live?
• I’m a failure because I didn’t take good enough care of myself.
• What can I eat? How do you stop eating all sugar? Is that what I need to do?
• Will I be able to get married? Have kids? Hold a job?
• Medication is expensive. I’ll never be able to afford it. 

This is exactly why your words have weight. What you say to and share with this person, in this moment, will set their diabetes course.

Not sure what to say? These are the three key messages your patient deserves to hear right now.

1. Your diagnosis is not your fault. 

In the short moments post-diagnosis, your patient is likely experiencing fear, confusion, even guilt. While these are normal responses, it’s important—as a healthcare provider—to remove blame from the equation. 

Instead, reassure your patient that they’re not alone. Let them know that support is available—through their care team, loved ones, peers, and even online communities—so they feel supported every step of the way.

2. You can still live the life you want. 

Think of diabetes management as an enabler, not an obstacle. And framing it as such to your patient will help them understand that their dreams and goals are still within reach. Thanks to modern tech and treatment, it’s never been a more empowering time to live with diabetes. 

3. Take it one step at a time.

Diabetes comes with a learning curve, but it’s important for your patient to know they don’t have to figure everything out all at once. This is the time to encourage a healthy balance of curiosity and patience. 

Most importantly, remind them that diabetes management isn’t one-size-fits-all. With time and shared decision-making with their care team, they’ll grow into the expert of their own care.

Want to ensure you’re starting patients on the right path? The Beginner’s Guides to Thriving with Diabetes, part of Beyond Type 1’s Beyond Diagnosis program, are available for type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, in English and Spanish. 

Clinically reviewed and created by people living with diabetes and healthcare providers, it provides an approachable start for those first few weeks and months after diagnosis. We also created healthcare provider implementation resources—learn more here.

At Beyond Type 1, we ensure our work is grounded in current, evidence-based knowledge by way of our Social Impact Manager of Science Advisory and Community Education, Melanie Batchelor, MHS, RD, LDN, CDCES, and our Scientific Advisory Council (SAC). A huge thank you to the following SAC members for contributing to this article: Dr. Jason Baker, Dr. Marina Basina, Nancy Dhondt, Dr. Dan DeSalvo, Dr. Diana Isaacs, Dr. Francine Kaufman, and Janice Macleod.