Newly Diagnosed


 2022-10-07

If you are here at “Newly Diagnosed” it most likely means you or someone you know and probably love, have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Let us be the first to say, “We’re sorry,” but we are glad you have found your way here.

The Basics

A type 1 diagnosis is overwhelming—some say like swimming with sharks. These Basics are just that—the basics you need in the first few weeks of adjusting to type 1. For more in-depth information, see our section on Diabetes Management.

What is Type 1 diabetes?


Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition that makes the body unable to produce insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar.MORE

Visiting Your Doctor: What To Expect


Your first visit is generally more about discussing your diabetes, your glucose levels and your goals, rather than physically examining you.MORE

How to Test Blood Sugar


This is a practical step-by-step guide for how to test blood sugar. Share it with your family or friends who might be testing your child's blood for the first time, or use it as a guide for yourself if you're new to the game.MORE

What To Eat


Understanding what you are eating, how much you are eating and knowing how to match your insulin are good basics to come to the table with.MORE

All About Insulin


Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that regulates the amount of glucose in the blood, effectively turning food into fuel for the body. A person is diagnosed with diabetes once the body is no longer able to produce insulin.MORE
glucagon

Glucagon


Glucagon raises your blood sugar (treating hypoglycemia) while insulin lowers it (treating hyperglycemia or preventing it when taken before eating).MORE

Just Diagnosed with Diabetes? Why and How to Find Mental Health Support


Just diagnosed with diabetes? No matter how you're feeling right now, you deserve help; here's how to find it.MORE

Just Diagnosed with Diabetes? Here’s Who You Need on Your Team


Just diagnosed with diabetes or feel like you need more support with an existing diagnosis? Remember - you don't have to do this alone.MORE
Ginger Vieira wearing freestyle libre

This Program Lets You Try the Freestyle Libre CGM for Free


You can try the Freestyle Libre continuous glucose monitor for two weeks for free with the My Freestyle program.MORE

The Next Layer

For in-depth information on how to manage type 1 diabetes, and guides on teaching type 1 to others, check out these resources below.

Life with Type 1 Stories


These accounts of living with type 1 are written by people who have gone through it. They understand the wide range of emotions that one experiences — denial, anger, fear and grief. You might be just beginning your journey with this new reality, but others have gone before you and their stories can only help light the way. Remember, you are not alone.

Diabetes Management


Diabetes management is about how lifestyle, daily routine and technology can affect blood glucose levels of someone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Keeping blood glucose levels in range greatly improves the health of someone with diabetes and prevents long-term complications or short-term risks that come with blood sugars out of range.

Understanding Type 1 Diabetes Guides


Type 1 diabetes can be complicated to manage and when you’re trying to explain it to someone else like a teacher, coach or family member, these guides are the best place to start! Easy to understand and share, the Teaching Type 1 Diabetes to Others Guides, are the tools to better educate and empower others who are new to T1D.

What is LADA? (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults)


Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a form of type 1 diabetes that is often misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes.

Newly Diagnosed Kits From JDRF

Our partners at JDRF have made kits available to anyone facing a new diagnosis: Find type 1 diabetes (T1D) tools, resources and information for any age or stage of life.

JDRF Bag of Hope®


When your child receives a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D), it can be an overwhelming time. As you navigate this challenging period of adjustment to life with T1D, you can find helpful information and support through the JDRF Bag of Hope®.MORE

JDRF No Limits Teen Care Kit


A T1D diagnosis can be overwhelming at any age. Our JDRF No Limits care kit provides teens and parents with the information and encouragement needed to adjust to life with T1D. You’ve got this!MORE

JDRF No Limits Adult Care Kit


The JDRF No Limits Adult care kit is a free resource providing information and tools to educate, support and inspire newly diagnosed adults with T1D.MORE

Begin With Hope Guide


Download this introductory guide to type 1 diabetes (T1D) from JDRF, created with care by people living with T1D, their families, and medical experts.MORE

Get Support

Support for newly-diagnosed people living with T1D is available through these programs supported by the Beyond Type 1 – JDRF Alliance.

Online Diabetes Support Team


The Online Diabetes Support Team (ODST) is made up of compassionate volunteers who know firsthand the ever-changing demands of living with type 1 diabetes (T1D).MORE

Snail Mail Club


Snail Mail Club is a pen pal program for kids and teens (adults are welcome too) with type 1 diabetes around the world.MORE

WRITTEN BY BT1 Editorial Team, POSTED 10/07/22, UPDATED 05/18/23

This piece was authored collaboratively by the Beyond Type 1 Editorial Team.