The diagnosis of diabetes can lead to all kinds of questions: Is my health insurance coverage adequate? What types of lifestyle changes am I going to have to make? What is the long term impact on my life? When my younger brother was diagnosed my family asked all of these questions and many more. I'm sure others who have been impacted by diabetes can relate. I remember fearing the worse for my brother. Now several years later, I stand impressed by how knowledgeable doctors, healthy choices, quality insurance, and family support have helped my brother adjust to live with diabetes and to thrive. My brother lives a healthy life and I'm grateful for how he has risen to the challenges he has faced. We have met many others who have been diagnosed with diabetes who have had similar experiences. We have also met those who have had to face significantly more challenges than my brother has had. To all who are impacted by diabetes I just want to encourage you to keep on pushing toward a healthy life and maintain hope no matter what your circumstances are.

Great doctors, good health insurance coverage, family support are all key supports that can significantly help with adjustment process. I hope you have those tools available to you but if you don't push forward and hold on to hope.