You’ve been diagnosed with diabetes. Now what?

Receiving a Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes diagnosis can feel intimidating. Between the doctor visits, rising cost of prescriptions, insulin injections, and lifestyle changes, it can seem like the diagnosis is in control of your life — but it doesn’t have to be so challenging.

We spoke with Karla Robinson, MD, a family physician and medical editor at GoodRx — a company that provides access to savings on medications — about what people should know when it comes to managing the condition. She said that diabetes, like any medical condition, is complex, but with a plan in place, you can take control of your diagnosis and keep living your best life.

Robinson said that the first step for anyone diagnosed with diabetes is to work with a care team to understand the condition and develop a treatment plan. One of the key ways to effectively manage your diabetes is by surrounding yourself with a network of people who care about you and your health. “Having a health care professional you trust, someone you feel comfortable asking questions and sharing concerns with, is essential for your long-term health and well-being,” Robinson said.

Your loved ones can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle while living with diabetes, too. Robinson said it’s as simple as going for walks with a friend, calling a family member while you get your steps in, or celebrating wins with your partner as you make progress in managing your treatment.

There are also several types of support groups that offer education, therapy, and peer-to-peer support for those living with diabetes. “These groups can help create a network of people for you who are also managing diabetes and provide resources beyond what you may receive from your health care team,” Robinson said. They can be especially helpful if nobody in your circle of friends and family has diabetes. While your health care provider can offer recommendations, GoodRx also has a list of resources as a part of its trusted content.

For anyone facing a new diagnosis, the amount of information available can be staggering and not all of it is properly vetted or accessible. Tools like the GoodRx Diabetes Resource Center, a resource hub with easy-to-understand articles and useful tips you can rely on to make sense of your diagnosis, address that issue. Think of it like a digital resource center with information and tips from MDs and PharmDs to help you with navigating your diagnosis.
In addition to providing education and resources on how to manage your diagnosis, GoodRx can help alleviate the financial burden that people with diabetes may face. In fact, average out-of-pocket costs for people with diabetes can range from $3,300 to $4,600 when medications, supplies, doctor visits, and lost wages are taken into account with even higher costs for emergency room visits or other complications stemming from diabetes.

GoodRx offers discounts on a wide range of diabetes medications and supplies, including insulin, glucose monitors, and test strips which are also all available in the Diabetes Resource Center. GoodRx is available to everyone, whether you have insurance or not. In some cases, using the GoodRx discounts can make medications cheaper than certain insurance copays. If you’re concerned about the affordability of diabetes treatment, GoodRx’s list of 20 common medications for less than $20 may help you find medications for your diabetes and related conditions at an affordable price.

Adopting a healthier lifestyle with diet and exercise can be difficult, especially for those who receive their diagnosis later in life and are juggling the demands of work, family, and other responsibilities. Robinson suggests starting small and working up to bigger changes, like setting aside 30 minutes each day to move your body. “You don’t need an expensive gym membership or fancy equipment at home,” Robinson said. “One of the simplest ways to move your body is to go for a walk.” She also suggests building your exercise routine into the habits you already have, such as taking work calls while out on a stroll.

Adjusting your diet also plays an essential part of managing your diabetes. “It may seem impossible when you’re first diagnosed, but you can still enjoy tasty meals while helping to keep your blood sugar within a healthy range,” Robinson said. “Focus on eating foods with complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, fiber-rich vegetables, and healthy fats and try avoiding ultra-processed foods, added sugars, and unhealthy fats.” You can ask your doctor how to integrate healthy recipes into your daily life or work with a dietitian to create a personalized meal plan you can maintain. “Most importantly, setting realistic goals will make these changes sustainable and effective for long-term health,” Robinson said.

When you have the resources you need, you feel empowered to take charge of your health, which is why platforms like GoodRx are so important. By offering support like actionable tips and savings, GoodRx is helping to make diabetes information and medication available to those who need it most.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.