Being diagnosed with diabetes can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. The first few steps you take after diagnosis can make a huge difference in how well you manage your health. At Omokos Diagnostics & Clinical Services, our goal is to help you understand your condition and make informed decisions from day one.

Below are the most important things to do when you are first diagnosed with diabetes.

1. Stay Calm and Ask Questions

A diabetes diagnosis is not the end; it is the beginning of better health awareness.
Stay calm and ask your doctor important questions such as:

What type of diabetes do I have?
What should my blood sugar levels be?
How often should I monitor my glucose?

Understanding the basics removes fear and puts you in control.

2. Get a Baseline Laboratory Evaluation

The next step is to run essential tests to understand the severity of your condition.
Common tests include:

Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS)
HbA1c (3-month average glucose)
Lipid Profile
Kidney Function Test (RFT)
Liver Function Test (LFT)
Urinalysis

At Omokos Diagnostics, we provide accurate, same-day results to help your healthcare team make the right decisions.

3. Get a Quality Glucometer for Home Monitoring

Daily monitoring is the foundation of diabetes management.
Using a reliable device like the Fantastic – Accu Glucometer helps you:

Track sugar changes
Understand food reactions
Detect spikes or low sugar early

Checking your glucose at home empowers you to manage your health confidently.

4. Start Making Simple Lifestyle Adjustments

Small changes create big results. Begin with:

Reducing sugary drinks and processed foods
Eating more vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains
Walking for 20–30 minutes daily
Sleeping 7–8 hours per night
Reducing stress

You don’t have to change your entire life overnight — start small and grow gradually.

5. Meet a Dietician or Diabetes Educator

Diabetes is 60% nutrition management.
A trained expert can guide you on:

What to eat
Portion control
Nigerian foods that help stabilize glucose
Foods to avoid completely

Omokos Diagnostics can connect you with licensed nutrition professionals for personalized guidance.

6. Know the Danger Signs

Learn the warning signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).
Low sugar signs: shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, dizziness
High sugar signs: increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, tiredness

Recognizing these early helps prevent complications.

7. Follow Up Regularly

Diabetes management is a journey, not a one-time event.
Schedule follow-ups every 3 months to check:

HbA1c
Kidney health
Lipid profile
Blood pressure
Weight and BMI

Consistent monitoring helps prevent long-term complications.

8. Build a Strong Support System

Tell trusted family members or close friends about your condition so they can support you when needed.
Having a supportive team makes lifestyle changes easier and improves long-term outcomes.

Final Thoughts

Getting diagnosed with diabetes is not the end — it is the beginning of taking charge of your health. With the right information, proper monitoring, and timely tests, you can live a long, healthy life.

At Omokos Diagnostics & Clinical Services, we are committed to helping you understand, manage, and thrive despite diabetes.

First Things To Do When You Are First Diagnosed With Diabetes