Updated September 08, 2015.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that must be attended to daily, but sometimes people report that having diabetes does not cause them to "feel any differently" and often confuse symptoms of diabetes with something else. As a result, they may not take their diabetes seriously or possibly even ignore it completely. Perhaps this is one of the reasons that of the 29.1 million people thought to have diabetes, 8.1 million people remain undiagnosed.

Not attending to your diabetes or ignoring signs and symptoms can result in serious consequences. Overtime, elevated blood sugar can affect the nerves of the eyes, heart, kidneys and feet. People with Type 2 diabetes, particularly uncontrolled diabetes,are also at increased risk of heart disease and peripheral arterial disease.

It is important to take this disease seriously so can help you to live a healthy life and prevent complications of diabetes.The good news is that it is never too late to start taking care of your diabetes. Whether you've just been diagnosed with diabetes, have lived with it for years, suspect you may have diabetes or are at risk of developing diabetes, you can take control of your life today.  

How to Recognize Signs and Symptoms:

If you are feeling excessively tired, thirsty or urinating more frequently than before, these can be warning signs of diabetes. If you have a family history of diabetes or are overweight, you can be at increased risk. Learn which risk factors increase diabetes and how to recognize the signs and symptoms of diabetes:

Are You at Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes?

Signs and Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes 

What to Do if You are Newly Diagnosed: 

If you are newly diagnosed with diabetes, it may be a hard thing to accept. The education you receive may seem overwhelming and impossible to adhere to, but making small changes gradually will help you to get control and turn your life around. And a diagnosis of diabetes isn't a death sentence. With the right diabetes self management education and proper tools, you may even be able to reverse diabetes. 

Be inspired by these success stories: Can You Reverse Type 2 Diabetes? 

What to Do if You've Had Diabetes for a Long Time: 

If you've had diabetes for many years, it might seem like there is nothing more you can do help get your numbers under control. There is always something more you can do, perhaps you just haven't found the solution yet. Meeting with a certified diabetes educator can help you learn concepts or tips you may have never known before. Find out what your meeting with a certified diabetes educator would be like: 

What to Expect During Your Visit with a Certified Diabetes Educator 

Get in Control: 

If you've been living with uncontrolled diabetes or are newly diagnosed, but just can't seem to wrap your head around it all, take a deep breath and ask for help. Schedule an appointment with your primary doctor or ask a loved one to start a healthy eating plan or exercise plan with you. Living with hyperglycemia, high blood sugar, is dangerous. And even if you don't feel bad per say, that may not mean that you feel good either. You will feel better, both mentally and physically, if you get your numbers under control. In fact, you'll likely feel so much better with time that you won't believe that you felt so bad for so long. I have counseled many people whose blood sugar reductions have not only helped them to have a better HbA1c, but have increased their energy, improved sleep, reduced symptoms of reflux, to name a few. It's never to late to take control. 

Here are some great ways to get support: 

Learn How to Cope with Diabetes Together

Diabetes Conversation Map Class

Living Well with Type 2 Diabetes 

The Link Between Diabetes and Depression

Resources: 

American Diabetes Association. Statistics About Diabetes. Accessed on-line. August 31, 2015: http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/statistics/?referrer=https://www.google.com/