Many patients, upon receiving a diagnosis of illness, simply give up. This is dangerous thinking. Diabetes is a classic example. A diabetic who does not manage the disease will age at twice the expected rate. However, careful management can reduce the aging effect of diabetes by as much as 80 percent.
Many diabetics actually live healthier after the diagnosis than they did before.
The key to successfully managing any disease is to confront it head-on. Learn all you can about the disease. Establish a relationship with a doctor who can help you set up a management strategy. Develop a well-rounded, proactive approach to your disease that addresses your overall health and includes diet, medications, exercise and stress reduction. Do not hide your disease from loved ones.