Living with diabetes.

Understanding diabetes

Diabetes is a lifelong, chronic condition where there is not enough insulin in the body to effectively help with digestion. Food is broken down during digestion into sugar (glucose). Insulin helps change the sugar and starches into energy that the body needs throughout the day. Without enough insulin, glucose builds up in the blood and is a sign of diabetes. High blood sugar can harm many parts of the body, including the eyes, heart, blood vessels, nerves, and kidneys. It can also increase your risk for other health problems and complications.

There are two types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body does not produce any insulin.
• Type 2 diabetes is when the pancreas cannot make enough insulin, or the body has problems using the insulin.

Making healthy lifestyle choices

Managing diabetes begins with making healthy lifestyle choices, including the following:

• Take your medication as your doctor directed.
• Do health checks at home and know the signs your condition is getting worse.
• Know your goal blood sugars.
• Know how to treat low and high blood sugars.
• Keep active and maintain a healthy weight.
• Pay attention to your foot health.

The American Diabetes Association goals for blood sugar (your doctor’s targets for you may differ):

• Before meals: 80–130 mg/dl
• 1–2 hours after meals: Below 180 mg/dl

Management and treatment by your provider

Your provider will tell you how often they would like to see you to monitor your diabetes. At a minimum, you should have yearly monitoring of the following:

• Annual physical exam: This is the most important visit of the year when you update your prevention plan and discuss any chronic conditions and monitoring needs.
• Hemoglobin A1c: This blood test gives a picture of your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. The American Diabetes Association recommends an A1c below 8.
• Kidney disease: Monitor your kidney health with yearly blood work and urine test. Kidney disease is a common complication of diabetes, especially in those with higher A1c levels.
• Hypertension: Hypertension is when your blood pressure remains consistently above 140/90. Often your doctor will prescribe medications and monitoring to lower your blood pressure.
• Retinopathy: In this eye disease, the retina develops a hole which can lead to blindness. 90% of vision loss caused by diabetes can be avoided with early detection and treatment. A yearly dilated-eye exam is recommended for all patients with diabetes.
• Neuropathy: Diabetes can cause circulation problems and nerve damage in your legs and feet called neuropathy. Make sure to have regular foot exams during your doctor visits.

Resources and further reading

Please visit our Diabetes Wellness Guide on our website for more self-care tips and care management support available through your Martin’s Point US Family Health Plan.

For more information and statistics, visit: What is diabetes? | CDC