Never thought I'd say this, but as I approach my two year diaversary things are definitely better and easier for me.
Dx T2 (A1C 13.2), I spent the whole first year learning what to do, modifying my diet, looking out for complications and hypos, worrying about lowering my cholesterol, exercising every possible evening to get my BGl down. Essentially I was living for the next A1C. I did alot of mourning that first year, especially over missed foods. God I hated making open-faced sandwiches! I frequently dreamed about eating (cake, bread, etc). I was angry and worried alot then.
After a year, I began to calm down & kept plodding along with healthy habits and measuring portions. I knew what to anticipate about Thanksgiving and other holidays. Around that time, I stopped taking another (non-diabetes)med & my BGl went down . . . enough that months ago, I could get by on just metformin & by reducing my carbs a bit more. My last A1C was 6.1. My management is obviously working.
At two years as a PWD, although I still fight cravings, I no longer dream about food. I have many regular food & exercise habits that make me feel good. I keep reading up about diabetes & trying new stuff. (Posts at tudiabetes.org & asweetlife.org continue to boost me on this trek.)I sleep well, my energy is good. My daily diabetes anxieties are much diminished. Overall I feel a sense of control and well-being.