Diabetes: caring for your physical and mental health is key.

Healthy lifestyle choices support better health.

While the number of people living with diabetes continues to rise each year, the good news is that many people can manage their condition, and even help prevent it, with healthy lifestyle choices and regular medical care.

Are you at risk?

Some common risk factors for developing diabetes include:

• Family history of diabetes
• Being overweight or physically inactive
• High blood pressure or high cholesterol
• A history of gestational diabetes
• Age 45 or older
• Depression, which can impact lifestyle and self-care routines

Why managing blood sugar matters

Elevated blood sugars affect every part of your body. Over time, blood sugar can damage your eyes, heart, blood vessels, nerves, and kidneys.

When high blood sugars go untreated, they create inflammation throughout the body, which can lead to serious health complications.

Check your numbers

Do you wonder how your average blood sugars line up with your A1c? On our website at martinspoint.org, you can use our helpful A1C comparison tool and explore our Diabetes Wellness Guide. You’ll find resources to deepen your understanding of diabetes, tips for self-management, and information about the connection between diabetes and depression.

Resources to support your mental health

Taking care of your mental health is key to supporting your overall well-being. Living with a chronic condition or making major lifestyle changes can sometimes trigger depression. It’s important to recognize the signs and know that help is available.

Our Diabetes Wellness Guide also provides resources to help you understand your symptoms and connect for support. This includes information about our Behavioral Health Care Management Program, designed to guide you and connect you with the care you need.

Remember you are not alone. We are here to help. You also have access to immediate support 24/7 by calling 988 and following the prompts.

Managing your health is about gaining knowledge and taking action. Take the first step today by exploring the educational tools available to you.