November is Diabetes Awareness Month!

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Whether you or someone you know is living with diabetes, understanding this condition is crucial for managing it effectively and supporting those affected.

Managing diabetes shouldn’t mean managing alone. At eternalHealth, we’ve created a robust support system designed to empower your diabetes journey with practical, meaningful benefits that make a real difference in your daily life.

Our commitment starts with making healthy eating more accessible through our quarterly healthy grocery benefit*. This allowance helps you stock up on nutritious whole foods, fresh produce, and diabetes-friendly ingredients, making it easier to maintain a healthy lifestyle without straining your budget.

Plus, we believe in rewarding your commitment to health. By completing important preventive care initiatives like yearly diabetic eye exams, kidney exams, and HbA1c tests, you can earn up to $85 in member rewards to use toward OTC items and healthy groceries*. It’s our way of supporting your proactive approach to health management.

Managing diabetes effectively starts with understanding your condition. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing diabetes for years, staying informed is key to maintaining your best health.

Understanding Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body either cannot produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. There are three main types of diabetes:

1. Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It usually develops in childhood or adolescence.
2. Type 2 Diabetes: The most common form, where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough. It often develops in adults but is increasingly seen in younger people.
3. Gestational Diabetes: Occurs during pregnancy and usually disappears after giving birth, but it can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Who Is Affected?

Diabetes is a global health issue. In 2021, approximately 537 million adults worldwide were living with diabetes. While type 2 diabetes is more prevalent, type 1 diabetes also affects many individuals. It’s important to recognize that diabetes can impact anyone, regardless of age or gender.

Risk Factors

Understanding the risk factors for diabetes can help you make informed health decisions. Key risk factors include:

• Age: The risk of type 2 diabetes increases with age.
• Genetics: A family history of diabetes increases your risk.
• Weight: Being overweight or obese is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
• Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity and poor diet can elevate the risk of developing diabetes.

The Importance of Early Detection

Early detection is vital for managing diabetes effectively. Regular blood glucose tests can identify diabetes before symptoms appear. The American Diabetes Association recommends that adults aged 45 and older get tested for diabetes every three years, especially if they are overweight or have other risk factors.

Prevention Strategies

While some risk factors are beyond our control, we can make lifestyle choices to reduce our risk of diabetes. Consider these strategies:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight increases diabetes risk. Focus on a diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables.
• Stay active: Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and directly reduces diabetes risk. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
• Healthy eating: A balanced diet with plenty of fiber and low in sugar and refined carbs is essential.

Managing Diabetes

If you have diabetes, managing it effectively is crucial to maintaining your health. This includes:

• Monitoring blood sugar levels: Regularly checking your blood sugar levels helps you manage your condition. Keeping a log of your readings can help you and your healthcare team identify patterns and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

• Medication: Some people with diabetes need medication or insulin therapy to help control their blood sugar levels. It’s essential to take medications as prescribed and understand how they work with your body.

• Healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy diet and staying active are key components of diabetes management. Focus on portion control, limiting refined carbohydrates, and including plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your meals.

• Regular medical check-ups: Schedule regular visits with your healthcare team, including your primary care physician, endocrinologist, and other specialists as needed. These appointments help monitor your overall health and catch any complications early.

• Stress management: Stress can often affect blood sugar levels, so finding effective ways to manage stress through relaxation techniques, adequate sleep, or counseling can be beneficial.

• Education: Stay informed about diabetes management techniques, new treatment options, and lifestyle modifications. Attending diabetes education classes or joining support groups can provide valuable information and emotional support.

• Foot care: People with diabetes need to pay special attention to foot health, checking regularly for cuts, blisters, or other issues that could lead to complications.

Diabetes Awareness Month serves as a crucial reminder that while diabetes affects millions worldwide, it’s a condition that can be managed effectively with the right knowledge, support, and resources. Whether you’re at risk, living with diabetes, or supporting someone who has it, taking proactive steps through regular screening, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and utilizing available benefits like eternalHealth’s *healthy grocery allowances and specialized care programs can make a significant difference. By staying informed and making conscious health choices, we can work together to prevent, manage, and support those affected by diabetes not just in November, but throughout the year.

*The benefit mentioned is part of a special supplemental program for the chronically ill. Qualifying conditions include Cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, chronic and disabling mental health conditions, cancer, and ESRD. Having a listed condition does not guarantee coverage, as benefits are specifically for members who meet the criteria for “chronically ill enrollee” status.

eternalHealth is an HMO plan with a Medicare Contract for HMO, HMO-POS and PPO offerings. Enrollment in eternalHealth depends on contract renewal. To enroll in an eternalHealth plan you must meet certain eligibility requirements and reside in the plan’s CMS-approved service area. Benefits and cost sharing may vary by plan.

eternalHealth complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-800-680-4568 (TTY 711).

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