Take Charge of Your Health: Understanding Diabetes

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, making it a good time to learn more about diabetes, understand your risk and take steps to protect your health.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. With diabetes, your body either doesn't make enough insulin or can't use it as well as it should, causing too much sugar to stay in your bloodstream. Over time, high blood sugar can lead to serious health problems.

But there is good news: knowing your risk and staying on top of your health can make a difference, especially when it comes to preventing or delaying type 2 diabetes.

Know Your Risk for Prediabetes

Prediabetes means your blood sugar is higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 2 in 5 American adults have prediabetes.

Prediabetes can develop without clear symptoms, so you may not know you have it. Some factors that can increase your risk include:

• Being age 45 or older
• Being overweight
• Having a parent, brother or sister with type 2 diabetes
• Being physically active fewer than three times a week
• Having had gestational diabetes
• Having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Certain racial and ethnic groups also have a higher risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

If you're concerned about your risk, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you should have your blood sugar tested.

A Simple Test Can Tell You More

An A1C test is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar level over the past three months. It can be used to diagnose both prediabetes and diabetes. 

The CDC recommends A1C testing beginning at age 45. Testing may also be recommended earlier if you're overweight and have another risk factor for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Your healthcare provider can help determine when and how often you should be tested based on your individual health and risk factors.

Small Changes Can Make a Difference

If you have prediabetes, there are steps you can take to help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. The CDC recommends healthy lifestyle changes such as getting regular physical activity and, for people who are overweight, losing a modest amount of weight.

You don't have to change everything at once. Consider starting with manageable goals, such as moving more throughout your day, making balanced food choices and keeping up with regular checkups. Talk with your healthcare provider about changes that make sense for you and your health.

Your Local 94 Benefits Support Preventive Care

Your Local 94 benefits cover preventive care services that can help you and your healthcare provider monitor your health and identify concerns early. Visit the Local 94 Preventive Care page to learn more about covered preventive services.

This Diabetes Awareness Month, take a moment to know your risk. If you haven't had your blood sugar checked recently or aren't sure whether you should be screened for diabetes, talk to your healthcare provider. A simple conversation can be an important first step toward protecting your long-term health.

Learn More

For additional information about diabetes, prediabetes and prevention, visit the American Diabetes Association, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases websites.