Diabetes

Diabetes comes in different forms: Type 1 (the body fails to produce insulin – previously known as juvenile diabetes), Type 2 (the body fails to properly use insulin), Gestational (triggered as a result of pregnancy), and Pre-Diabetes (the body’s blood glucose levels are higher than normal). According to the American Diabetes Association, 20.8 million people in the United States have diabetes. Assess your risk of developing diabetes.

Type 1

Your blood glucose control is vital. If properly monitored, diabetes complications such as nerve, eye, kidney, and blood vessel damage can be delayed or prevented. It is important to get an A1C test. The results of this test will give you an overview of your average blood glucose control for the past 2 to 3 months and tell you if your treatment plan is working.

Type 2

Your type 2 diabetes can be managed with meal planning for blood glucose (sugar) control, weight loss, and exercising. If these steps are not enough, however, you may have to take medicine to lower blood glucose levels.

Gestational

Gestational diabetes puts the mother and baby at risk, so your treatment should begin as soon as possible. The mother’s blood glucose levels will be monitored to keep them as close as possible to the levels of pregnant women who don't have gestational diabetes. Your treatment will include special meal plans and scheduled physical activity, and possibly daily blood testing and insulin injections.

Pre-Diabetes

Although it is a dangerous medical condition, people with pre-diabetes can prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes by making two lifestyle changes. By participating in 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity and reducing your body weight by 5-10 percent, you can see a 58 percent reduction in diabetes.

Additional resource

American Diabetes Association

The listed risk assessment and educational resources are made available for your convenience. The appearance of any organization, resource or Web site does not constitute its endorsement by TriWest Healthcare Alliance. TriWest Healthcare Alliance does not have any control over the information, products or services you may find through these resources and Web sites and disclaims all liability as to such information, products and services. When linking to or referencing other Web sites, we suggest you read the Web site's privacy and security policies.