Oh hello moonbeam, welcome to the forum though it would be better if you didnt have to be here at all.
I think absolutely every single member can identify with you there when you say you are shocked at the diagnosis, so many thoughts go through your head, you dont believe it, the doctor must surely mean someone else, and why me, and oh my goodness this is the end, and I am going blind and losing my legs and all sorts of things and then positive things like I will find a cure, I am going to beat this, etc - totally stressful and confusing.
You will begin first with information overload, there is so much to learn and to read in this forum alone, but fear not, it will begin to make sense and you can pick yourself the bits that appeal to you and devise your own plan on dealing with your diabetes, its sometimes all trial and error, but even if you do make a mistake here and there it doesnt mean that you cause any lasting damage, you have made a good move by joining this forum and it shows that you are willing to deal with the diagnosis, others, like myself for example rebelled against it and paid some price, but even then I was very, very lucky in that I managed to put things right again.
Here is one post, by Diabetic Geek that really should be read by all newbies, you will find his post in this thread
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=3527&p=18539#p18539
Try and get hold of two very important books, one is Dr Bernstein The Diabetes Solution and Dr Charles Clarke books are good too and they are reduced price at the moment too -
http://www.rbooks.co.uk/author.aspx?id=14083
All in all I would say that if you do have to have an illness, then diabetes is not a bad choice at least you can achieve really good control over it and you are going to live a rather healthy lifestyle because of it.
Ask lots of questions and dont despair, there is lots and lots of hope.
All the best to you
Karen x
