Recently Diagnosed...

[chelseaalexis08]

Hi Everyone!
I am 17 years old and I have been diabetic for 10 years. I have been pumping for 6 years. I am in a web design class at school, and I have been given the assignment of designing my own website. I have decided to design an informational website for recently diagnosed diabetics. Is there anything specific you think I should definitely include in this website?
-Chelsea

[Brensdad]

Make sure everyone knows the differences between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes and what causes each of them.

[Ali]

I would include links to good books, a link to this site. Also discuss how they will need to become active participants in their care and to ask questions of the Dr. Discuss that it will be a learning process and to be patient with slowly learning about disease management. Also I would try to talk about some of those successful types ones who have lived with the disease for fifty or more years and those successful athletes who are successful - both amateur and pro athletic people. You could aslo have a short list of supplies to carry with you always-glucose tabs, etc. and signs of going low. Good luck. I would try to keep it simple, positive and with concise lists, links to other books, info and success stories.Ali

[Type1CDE]

What a great choice!
Hmmm...so many things to include,huh? I found that the best advice I got (from my type 1 endo!) was that we CAN be just as healthy or healthier than "non-diabetics" if we take charge and act as out own self-managers. Maybe some inspirational stories from people who have lived with diabetes for various amounts of time- 2 years, 5 years, 20-30 or even 50 years. I just had a type 1 patient in the hospital who has been living with it for 70 years!! That is an inspiration! She still had all of her limbs, her vision, and healthy kidneys. (: