Understand and Manage Diabetes

If you have received a recent diagnosis of diabetes, you have come to the right place. There are many ways you can manage a diabetes diagnosis. Understanding health choices is essential to living a balanced life with diabetes.

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes: Usually diagnosed in children or young adults, insulin is missing or insufficient. Insulin moves sugar out of the bloodstream into the body’s cells. It’s hard for sugar to enter the cells in the body without insulin or enough of it.
• Type 2 diabetes: The most common form of diabetes, it’s characterized by insulin resistance. It can cause an overproduction of insulin or not enough. Often diagnosed in adults, lifestyle plays a role in the diagnosis of prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes.

Signs, Symptoms, and Health Complications

Symptoms and signs are different for each person:

• Prediabetes: A diagnosis of prediabetes that is unmanaged increases your chance of developing Type 2 diabetes.
• 45 years of age and older
• Ethnicity: African American, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic/Latino American
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Gestational diabetes
• Frequent urination
• Extreme thirst
• Blurry vision
• Unexplained weight loss

Unmanaged diabetes diagnosis may increase the risk of health complications such as:

• Heart disease
• Chronic kidney disease
• Nerve damage
• Vision loss

The signs, symptoms, and complications of diabetes are worrisome. Step into the role of your body’s health manager by understanding diabetes to increase choices that support your wellness journey.

Take Charge of Diabetes

Manage your diabetes successfully with resources designed to help you. Build your wellness plan with lifestyle changes such as weight loss, nutrition, and exercise.

Additional Diabetes Resources:

• Diabetes Outpatient Self Management Training Service – Must be ordered by primary care provider